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THB 

LIFE  OF 


GEORGE    WASHINGTON, 

COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF 

OF    THE 

American  Sirms, 

THROUGH  THS  REVOLUTIONARY  WAR  ; 

AND  THE 

FIRST  PRESIDENT 

OF  THB 

UNITED    STATES. 


BY  AARON  BANCROFT   D.  D. 

CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH   IK   WCRCESTI 


BOSTON: 

PHILLIPS,  SAMPSON,  AND  COMPANY 
1857. 


f 


PREFACE. 


THE  following  publication  onginatea  in  the  author'! 
wish  to  place  within  reach  of  tho  great  body  of  hia 
countrymen,  an  authontick  biography  of  General 
WASHINGTON. 

Judge  Marshall,  in  his  valuable  life  of  this  illustri- 
ous patriot,  has  embraced  not  only  the  settlement  and 
general  history  of  the  North  American  Colonies;  but 
also  tho  political  history  of  tho  United  States.  Hia 
work  is  therefore  necessarily  too  expensive  to  be  ob- 
tained by  all  classes  of  American  people.  The  writer 
of  these  memoirs  apprehended,  that  by  publishing  the 
life  of  WASHINGTON  in  a  compressed  form,  he 
should  enable  those  of  his  fellow  citizens,  who  are  not 
in  possession  of  Marshall,  to  leave  to  their  posterity  a 
memorial  of  a  man,  who  was  pre-eminently  distin- 
guished as  a  Soldier  and  Statesman. 

General  WASHINGTON  was  from  his  youth  de- 
voted  to  his  country,  his  character  therefore  cannot  be 
portrayed,  without  bringing  into  view  many  important 
publick  transactions.  The  plan  of  the  writer  has  been 
to  notice  no  individual  or  evert,  further  than  was  ne- 
cessary to  display  the  principal  character. 


IT  PREFACE. 

He  has  made  Judge  Marshall  his  leading  authority 
for  facts,  and  has  in  some  measure  followed  him  in  the 
order  of  events.  The  histories  of  the  war  by  Doctors 
Ramsay  and  Gordon,  and  several  original  writings  have 
been  consulted  ;  but  he  trusts,  that  greater  liberty  hna 
not  been  taken  with  any  of  them  than  is  fair  and  ho- 
nourable. The  few  facts,  which  have  not  before  been 
published,  were  received  immediately  from  confiden- 
tial friends  of  General  WASHINGTON,  or  from 
gentlemen  who,  in  respectable  official  situations,  wcrti 
members  of  his  family  during  his  military  command. 

It  has  been  the  endeavour  of  the  author  to  display 
the  character  of  the  man  who  is  the  subject  of  the 
arork,  by  exhibiting  in  a  connected  view  his  actions 
and  his  writings  ;  and  he  has,  as  far  as  possible,  made 
this  exhibition  in  the  person  of  General  WASHING- 
TON. 

lie  has  not  concoived  that  he  was  writing  for  men 
of  erudition,  but  for  the  unlettered  portion  of  the  m.m- 
munity  ;  and  he  has  for  their  benefit  more  particularly 
studied  simplicity  of  style.  Should  he  be  so  happy  as 
to  obtain  their  approbation,  he  will  receive  an  ample 
reward  of  his  labour. 

He  entertains  no  expectation  of  acquiring  literary 
fame  by  this  publication  ;  but  he  hopes  to  escape  the 
disgrace  of  having  written  a  useless  bur  k. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


IIi«  Birth — Education — Appointed  an  AdjutE.nl  Ge- 
neral of  the  Militia — H's  Embassy  to  the  Ohio— ^ 
Comrniasioned  as  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  a  regular 
Regiment — Surprises  •»  detachment  of  French 
troops — Capitulation  of  Fort  Necessity — He  is  ap- 
pointed a  volunteer  ^id  de  Camp  to  General  BRAD- 
DOCK — His  bravery  'P.  the  action  in  tvhich  that  Geno 
ral  fell — He  is  appointed  the  Colonel  of  a  regiment, 
and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Virginia  troops- 
His  efforts  to  defend  the  frontiers — His  exertions  in 
the  exjnd:<A"n  under  General  FORBES  to  gain  poa 
of  Vort  du  Quesne — Resigns  his  commis 

Page  11 


6  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Colon.,!  WASHINGTON'S  Marriage — His  Management 
of  the  Estate  of  Mount  Vernori — Appointed  a  Judge 
of  the  County  Court,  and  a  member  of  the  Virginia 
Legislature — Chosen  a  member  of  the  first  Congrosa 
—  Appointed  Commander  in  Chinf  of  the  American 
Forces — Arrives  at  Camp — Arranges  the  Army — 
Deficiency  of  Arms  and  Ammunition — Colonel  Ar 
nold  detached  to  Quebec-Success  of  American  Cruis 
ers — Evils  of  temporary  Enlistments — An  Attack 
on  the  Enemy's  Posts  meditated — Possession  taken 
of  the  Heights  of  Dorchester — Boston  evacuated  40 

CHAPTER  III. 

General  WASHINGTON  marches  the  Army  to  New 
York — Fortifications  of  the  City  and  River-— Inde- 
pendence declared — General  Howe  lands  on  Stuteii 
Island — Interview  between  General  WASHINGTON 
and  Colonel  Patterson — State  of  the  British  and 
Ame-i'jan  Forces — Camp  at  Brooklyn — Battle  on 
Long  Island — Retreat  from  it — The  City  and  Island 
of  New-York  evacuated — Manreuvres  at  White 
Plains — Fort  Washington  taken — General  Howe 
invades  New-Jersey — Depression  of  the  Americans 
— General  WASHINGTON  invested  with  new  Powers 
— Success  at  Trenton,  and  at  Princeton- -New-Jer 
•ey  recoveud  -  -  66 


CONTENTS.  T 

CHAPTER  IV, 

General  WASHINGTON  disposes  his  small  force  for  the 
protection  of  New-Jersey — Army  Inoculated — 
Abuse  of  American  prisoners — The  Exchange  of 
General  Lee  refused — Stores  at  Peck's  Kill  and 
Danbury  destroyed — American  Army  taxes  post  at 
Middlebrook — Sir  William  Howe  moves  towards  the 
Delaware — Returns  to  Staten  Island  and  embarks 
his  troops — He  lands  at  the  Head  of  Elk — General 
WASHINGTON  marches  to  meet  him — Battle  of  Bran- 
dy wine — Effect  of  a  Storm — British  take  possession 
of  Philadelphia — Mud  Island  and  Red  Bank  fortified 
— Obstructions  in  the  River — Attack  on  Mud  Island 
— Count  Donop  defeated — British  surmount  the 
Fortifications  of  the  River — Plan  to  attack  Philadel- 
phia— Sir  William  Howe  reconnoitres  the  American 
Camp  at  White  Marsh — The  Army  hutted  at  Val- 
ley Forge — The  Privations  of  the  Soldiers  during 
the  Winter 118 

CHAPTER  V. 

Progress  and  issue  of  the  Northern  Campaign — Plan 
to  displace  General  WASHINGTON — His  correspon 
dence  on  the  subject — Letter  of  General  Gates — Re- 
monstrance of  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania 
against  closing  the  Campaign — Observations  of  the 


8  CONTENTS. 

Commander  in  Chief  upon  it — Sufferings  of  the  Ar- 
my for  the  wart  of  Provisions  and  Clothing — Mca 
sures  adopted  by  the  Commander  in  Chief  to  obtain 
Supplies — Methods  taken  to  recruit  the  Army — Sir 
Henry  Clinton  appointed  Commander  in  Chief  of 
the  British  Forces — He  evacuates  Philadelphia,  and 
marches  Ihroiiph  New-Jersey  to  New-York — Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON  pursues  him — liau.e  of  Monmouth 
— Thanks  of  Congress  to  the  General  ana  Army  - 
General  Lee  censured — He  demands  a  Court  Mar- 
tial, and  is  suspended  from  his  command — French 
Fleet  appears  on  the  American  Coast — Expedition 
against  Rhode  Island — It  fails — Disaffection  between 
the  American  and  French  Officers — Measures  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  to  prevent  the  ill  consequen- 
ces of  it — Army  goes  into  Winter  Quarters  in  the 
High  Lands  --..-....  143 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Pl.-m  formed  by  Congress  and  the  Trench  Minister  foi 
the  invasion  of  Canada  and  Nova  Scotia — General 
WASHINGTON'S  objections  to  it — Delinquency  of  the 
United  States  to  prepare  for  the  approaching  cam- 
paign— The  exertions  of  the  General — His  Leltei 
on  the  State  of  the  Nation — The  Remonstrance  of 
Officers  belonging  to  the  New-Jersey  Brigade  to  the 
Legiskture  of  that  State— Letters  of  the  Command 


CONTENTS  9 

er  in  Chief  on  the  Subject — Expedition  against  th» 
Indians  under  General  Sullivan — He  destroys  their 
Towns — The  American  Army  posted  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  High  Lands  on  the  North  River,  and 
for  the  protection  of  the  Country  against  the  incur- 
sions of  the  British — Sir  Henry  Clinton  moves  up 
the  Hudson,  takes  possession  of  Stony  and  Verplank 
Points,  and  fortifies  them — Arrangements  made  for 
Assaulting  these  posts — General  Wayne  carries 
Stony  Point  by  Storm — The  Attac*  upon  Verplank 
fails — Congress  vote  their  thanks  to  General  WASH 
INGTON  and  to  the  brave  Troops  employed  in  this 
service — They  vote  General  Wayne  a  Medal — 
Evils  of  short  Enlistments — Plan  of  the  General's  to 
»emedy  them — The  Army  in  two  Divisions  erect  huts 
for  winter  quarters,  one  near  West  Point,  and  the  oth- 
er at  Morristown  in  New- Jersey — The  troops  suffer 
through  the  scarcity  of  Provisions — Colonel  Wads- 
worth  resigns  his  Office — Confusion  in  the  Commis 
aary's  department — The  Commander  in  Chief  is  ne 
cessitated  to  apportion  supplies  of  Meat  and  Flour 
upon  the  Counties  of  New-Jersey — The  winter  ex 
cessively  cold,  and  the  waters  around  New- York 
frozen  over ;  but  the  Commander  in  Chief  is  too 
weak  to  avail  himself  of  this  opportunity  to  Assail 
^e  Britielr  Posts — Expedition  to  Staten  Island 
fcilB 174 


10 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Amount  of  Emission — Congress  destitute  of  Means  to 
support  the  War — Supplies  apportioned  upon  the 
States — Exertions  of  the  Commander  in  Chief — 
Mutiny  in  a  part  of  the  Army — The  British  make 
an  Excursion  into  New-Jersey — The  American 
Troops  bravely  resist  them — The  Court  of  France 
promises  a  Naval  and  Land  Armament  to  act  ir 
America — Preparation  to  Co-operate  with  it — A 
French  Squadron  arrives  on  the  American  Coast 

— Count  Rochambeau  lands  at   Newport   with   five 

• 

thousand  Men — The  American  and  French  Com- 
manders meet  at  Hartford  to  settle  the  Plan  of  the 
Campaign — The  Second  Division  of  the  French 
Troops  fails — General  Arnold  becomes  a  Traitor — 
He  Corresponds  with  Major  Andre  —Andre  cornea 
on  Shore  at  West  Point — Attempts  to  return  to 
New-York  by  land — He  is  taken  into  Custody  by 
three  Militia  Men — A  Board  of  General  Officers 
condemn  him — He  is  Executed — Letter  of  General 
WASHINGTON  on  the  State  of  the  Army — Congress 
idopts  a  Military  Establishment  for  the  War — The 
Army  goes  into  Winter  Quarters  ...  19fl 


%'.. 

*"         '      * 

LIFE 

* 

- 
or 

* 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

His  Birth — Education — Appointed  an  Adjutant  General  of  tn« 
militia — His  emlmssy  to  the  Ohio — Commissioned  as  Lieutenant 
Colonel  of  a  regular  regiment — Surprises  a  detachment  of  French 
troops — Capitulation  of  Fort  Necessity — He  is  appointed  a  volun- 
teer Aid  do  camp  to  General  Braddock — His  hravery  in  the  ac- 
tion in  which  that  General  fell — He  is  appointed  the  Colonel  of 
a  re^imnnt,  and  commander  in  chief  of  the  V  irjfinia  troops — His 
efforts  to  defend  the  frontiers — iJis  exertions  in  the  expedition 
under  General  Forli.:«  to  gjin  possession  of  Fort  du  Uuesno — Ke- 
eigns  his  commission. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON  was  born  in  tho  county  of 
Westmoreland,  Virginia,  on  tha  *22d  day  of  February, 
1732.,  He  was  the  third  son  of  Mr.  Augustine  Wash- 
ington, and  the  great  grandson  of. .Mr.  John  Washing- 
ton, a  gentleman  of  a  family  of  some  distinction  in  the 
north  of  England,  who  emigrated  about  the  year  1(5.77, 
and  took  up  the  estate  on  which  the  subject  of  these 
memoirs  was  bom. 

At  the  age  of  ten  years,  by  the  death  of  his  father, 
he  was  left  in  the  sole  care  of  a  solicitous  mother. 
She  gave  him  a  private  education.  A  grammatical 
knowledge  of  the  English  language,  matheimUicks, 
geography,  history,  natural  and  moral  philosophy,  to 
the  exclusion  of  the  learnod  languages,  formed  the 
course  of  his  youthful  studies. 

The  candour  and  manliness  of  his  disposition  were 
early  displayed  among  his  young  companions,  and  tha 
commanding  influence  of  his  character  was  first  di» 
covered  by  his  ascendency  over  them. 


!2  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1747 

The  patrimonial  estate  of  Mr.  Washington  was 
small.  After  the  completion  of  his  course  with  his  tu- 
tor, he  was  engaged  in  useful  industry  ;  and  tor  several 
years  of  his  minority,  employed  as  a  county  surveyor 
In  this  employment  he  distinguished  himself  by  hU 
diligence,  and  by  the  neatness  and  accuracy  of  his 
plans.  His  experience  in  this  business  made  him  well 
acquainted  with  the  worth  of  new  lands,  and  aided 
him  afterwards  in  their  selection. 

The  military  bias  of  his  mind  was  early  discovered. 
The  war  between  England  and  France  in  1747,  kindled 
in  his  young  breast  that  spark,  which  at  a  subsequent 
period  burst  into  a  flame  ;  and  at  his  own  importunity, 
the  birth  of  a  midshipman,  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  was 
obtained  in  the  British  navy.  His  views  in  this  in- 
stiince  were  defeated  by  the  anxiety  of  an  affectionate 
mother. 

At  a  time  when  the  militia  was  to  be  trained  for 
actual  service,  at  nineteen  he  was  appointed  one  of 
tha  adjutant  generals  of  Virginia,  with  the  rank  of 
major  ;  from  the  execution  of  the  duties  of  this  eommis 
sion,  honourable  to  his  age,  he  was  soon  called  to  higher 
employments. 

France  at  this  period  unfolded  her  ambitious  design 
of  connecting  Canada  with  Louisiana,  and  in  this  way 
of  enclosing  the  British  colonies  in  North  America 
Her  officers  were  directed  to  establish  a  line  of  posts 
from  the  lakes  to  the  Ohio.  This  tract  of  country,  the 
English  held  to  be  within  the  boundaries  of  Virginia 
Mr.  Dinwiddie,  then  the  Lieutenant  Governor  of  the 
province,  alarmed  by  encroachments,  which  involved 
the  important  interests  of  the  British  crown,  conceived 
it  proper  officially  to  waiA  the  French  to  desist  from 
the  prosecution  of  a  scheme,  deemed  a  violation  of  ex- 
isting treaties  between  the  two  countries. 

It  was  difficult  to  select  a  proper  ager.t  to  execute 
this  perilous  mission.  He  must  pass  through  an  un- 
Bjcplored  wilderness,  filled  by  tribes  of  Indians ;  som« 


1753.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  13 

of  which  weie  doubtful  friends,  and  many  the  decide*? 
enemies  of  the  English.  The  fatigues  and  danger! 
which  induced  other  Virginians  to  decline  the  com 
mission  of  envoy  on  this  occasion,  led  Mr.  WASUIKO 
TON  with  ardour  to  seek  the  appointment. 

The  very  day  on  wind,  he  received  hia 

|J.',r  commission  he  commenced  his  journey  from 
Williamsburg.  At  Winchester  he  piocurcd 
the  necessary  provisions,  baggage,  and  horses.  On  the 
fourteenth  of  November  he  reached  Will's  Creek,  the 
frontier  of  inhabited  Virginia ;  here  he  lured  a  guide 
and  four  other  attendants,  to  accompany  him  over  the 
Alleghany  mountains  ;  the  passage  of  which  was  now 
attended  with  difficulty  and  hazard.  The  weather  be- 
came incessantly  stormy,  and  the  snow  deep  ;  and  he 
was  unable  to  arrive  at  Turtle  Creek,  on  the  rnouth  of 
the  Monongahela,  before  the  22d.  Hero  he  was  in 
formed  of  the  death  of  the  French  General,  and  found 
that  his  troops  had  retired  to  winter  quarters.  With 
extreme  fatigue  he  ptirsued  his  journey  ;  surveyed  the 
country  with  the  judgment  of  a  soldier,  and  selected 
the  forks  of  the  Monongahela  and' Alleghany  rivers,  as 
a  place  highly  expedient  for  the  English  to  possess  and 
fortify.  On  this  site  the  French  soon  after  erected 
Fort  du  Quesne,  whfch,  when  the  British  General 
Forbes  gained  the  possession,  he  willed  Fort  Pitt. 

In  this  place  he  spent  a  few  days  to  conciliate  the 
affections  of  the  Indians  of  the  vicinity.  Some  of  their 
chiefs,  whose  fidelity  he  took  the  wisest  measures  to 
secure,  he  engaged  as  guides,  with  them,  ascended  the 
Alleghany  river,  and  at  the  mouth  of  French  Creek 
found  the  first  French  post.  Proceeding  up  the  creek 
to  another  fort,  he  met  Monsieur  le  Gard«ur  de  St. 
Pierre,  the  commanding  officer  on  the  Ohio,  and  to 
h:m  he  delivered  Governor  Dinwiddie's  letter.  With- 
ji  three  or  four  days  he  received  an  official  answer  to 
his  communication,  and  immediately  left  the  place  on 
ois  return  ;  but  tha  snow  being  excessively  d««p,  and 


14  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1753 

his  horses  growing  weak  from  fatigue,  lie  became  im 
patient  at  the  slowness  of  his  progress.  Leaving  there 
fore  hia  horses  with  necessary  directions,  in  the  car* 
of  his  attendants,  he  and  his  guide  wrapped  themselve* 
in  watch  coats,  took  his  important  papers,  and  the  ne- 
scssary  provisions  in  their  packs,  and  with  their  guns 
in  their  hands,  prosecuted  the  journey  on  foot  the 
nearest  way  through  the  woods.  The  next  day,  De- 
cember 2(>,  as  he  passed  a  place  called  the  Murdering 
town,  he  fell  in  with  a  party  of  French  Indians,  which 
lay  in  wait  for  him  ;  one  of  them  not  fifteen  steps  dis- 
tant fired,  but  without  effect.  This  Indian  the  Major 
took  into  custody  and  detained  him  till  nine  o  clock  in 
the  evening,  then  dismissed  him,  and  continued  his 
march  through  the  night,  that  he  might  be  beyond  the 
reach  of  pursuit,  should  the  Indians  in  the  morning  fol- 
low his  track.  The  second  day  he  reached  the  river 
two  miles  above  tho  Shannapis,  expecting  to  find  it 
frozen  over  ;  but  the  ice  extended  only  fifty  yards  from 
the  shore  ;  though  quantities  of  it  were  driving  in  the 
channel.  A  raft  was  their  only  means  of  passing,  and 
they  had  but  one  poor  hatchet  with  which  to  make  it. 
It  cost  them  a  hard  day's  work  to  form  the  raft ;  the 
next  day  they  launched  it,  went  on  board,  and  attempt- 
ed the  passage  ;  but  before  they  were  half  way  over 
they  were  enclosed  by  masses  of  ice,  and  threatened 
with  immediate  destruction.  Mr.  WASHINGTON  put 
down  his  setting  pole  to  stop  the  raft,  that  the  ice 
might  pass  by,  but  the  rapidrty  of  the  current  crowded 
the  ice  with  such  force  against  the  pole,  tnat  it  threw 
him  out  in  ten  feet  water.  But  fortunately  he  saved 
himself  by  seizing  one  of  the  raft  logs.  With  their  ut- 
most efforts  they  wore  unable  to  reacn  either  shore,  but 
with  difficulty  they  landed  on  an  island.  The  cold  was 
BO  severe,  that  Mr.  Gist  the  guide  had  hie  hands  and 
feet  frozen.  The  next  morning,  without  hazard  they 
passed  the  river  on  the  ics,  anJ  were  received  into  tho 
lodgings  of  Mr.  Frazier,  an  Indian  trader.  Here  Ma 


1754.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  la 

jor  WASHINGTON  took  a  horse,  and  on  the  16th  of 
January,  1754,  reached  Williamsburg;  and  made  report 
of  his  proceedings. 

The  fatigue  and  danger  of  this  embassy  are  not 
easily  conceived  by  persons  in  the  bosom  of  civilized 
life.  "  From  the  1st  to  the  loth  of  December,"  sa-'S 
Major  WASHINGTON,  "  there  was  but  one  diiy  in  which 
it  did  not  rain  or  snow  incessantly,  and  through  the 
jvhole  Journey  there  was  but  one  continued  series  of 
cold,  wet  weather."  The  journal  composed  for  the 
perusal  of  Governor  Dinwiddie,  was  published,  and 
the  enterprise,  judgment,  and  perseverance  displayed 
in  the  execution  of  this  service,  exalted  Mr.  WASHING 
TON  in  publick  opinion;  and  gave  his  country  an  earnest 
of  his  future  services. 

The  embassy  to  the  Ohio,  not  having  induced  tho 
French  to  withdraw  from  that  country,  the  assembly 
of  Virginia  adopted  measures  to  maintain  the  claims 
of  the  British  crown.  They  empowered  the  executive 
of  the  colony  to  raise  a  regiment  to  consist  of  three 
hundred  men.  Mr.  Fry,  a  gentleman  acquainted  with 
the  western  country,  was  appointed  to  command  it, 
and  the  commission  of  Lieut.  Colonel  was  given  to 
Major  WASHINGTON.  Enterprising  and  patriotick,  Col. 
WASHINGTON  requested  and  obtained  permission  to 
march  first,  early  in  April,  17.54,  with  two  companies 
to  the  Great  Meadows.  The  reasons  which  led  him 
to  this  measure,  were  to  be  early  in  active  service,  to 
learn  the  designs  of  the  enemy,  to  afford  protection  to 
the  Englisft  settlements,  to  cultivate  the  friendship  of 
tho  Indians,  and  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  the  coun- 
try, which  promised  to  be  the  scene  of  military  opera 
lions.  Scarcely  had  he  taken  possession  of  his  ground 
when  some  friendly  Indians  informed  him  that  the 
French  had  driven  away  a  working  party,  sent  by  the 
Ohio  company  to  erect  a  fort  on  ths  southeastern 
branch  of  tho  Ohio,  and  were  themselves  building  a 
fo'iress  on  tho  very  gi  lund,  whnh  he  hid  recommend- 


16  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [IT.'i 

ed  to  the  Governor  for  a  military  post.  They  also 
<rave  the  intelligence,  that  a  force  was  then  marching 
from  that  place  to  the  Great  Meadows.  Although  hos 
tilities  had  not"  commenced,  yet  it  was  considered  that 
the  French  had  invaded  the  English  territory  ;  and 
many  circumstances  rendered  it  probable,  that  a  force 
was  approaching  with  hostile  views.  It  appeared  tuat 
the  party  had  left  the  direct  road,  and  had  encamped 
in  a  valley,  a  few  miles  to  the  west  of  the  Great  Mea- 
dows, as  a  place  of  concealment.  Colonel  WASHING- 
TON, under  the  guidance  of  the  Indians,  set  out  in  a 
dark,  rainy  night,  and  surrounded  the  encampment. 
At  day  break  his  men  fired,  and  rushed  upon  the 
French,  who,  being  completely  surprised,  surrendered 
One  man  only  made  his  escape,  and  Mr.  Jumonville, 
the  commander,  alone  was  killed. 

The  other  companies  of  the  regiment  were,  at  this 
time,  in  marcli  to  join  those  in  adv.mce  ;  before  these 
reached  the  camp  Colonel  Fry  died,  and  the  command 
devolved  on  Lieutenant  Colonel  WASHINGTON.  Twc 
companies  of  British  troops,  one  from  South-Carolina, 
and  the  other  from  New-York,  also  joined  the  regiment 
at  the  Great  Meadows,  making  a  force  of  four  hun- 
dred effective  men.  The  regular  captains  reluctantly 
placed  themselves  under  the  command  of  a  provincial 
officer  ;  but  pressing  circumstances  induced  them  for 
the  time,  to  wave  dispute  about  rank,  and  to  act  under 
the  orders  of  Colonel  WASHINGTON. 

For  the  security  of  thoir  stores  he  erected  a  small 
•Blockade,  and  then  marched  towards  Fort  du  Quesne, 
to  dislodge  the  French.  At  the  foot  of  Laurel  Hill, 
thirteen  miles  on  the  way,  he  was  met  by  a  number 
of  friendly  Indians,  who  informed  him,  that  the  enemy 
were  hastily  approaching  with  a  strong  detachment. 
A  confidential  chief  assured  him,  that  lie  had  seen  a 
reinforcement  arrive  at  du  Quesne,  which  place  he 
left  two  days  before,  and  had  learned  that  a  body  con 
**'ng  of  eight  hundred  French  and  four  hundred  In 


J754.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  I) 

dians,  would  immediately  march  to  attack  the  English. 
The  previous  information  of  deserters  from  the  enemj 
confirmed  the  Indian's  report.  The  troops  had  been 
already  six  days  without  bread,  and  had  but  a  small 
quantity  of  meat  in  store.  The  French  might  ap- 
proach by'  water  carriage,  within  five  miles  of  their 
present  encampment ;  and  then  pass  them  by  a  differ- 
ent route  and  starve  them  into  a  surrender,  or  fight 
them  with  a  great  superiority  of  numbers. 

In  this  critical  situation  Colonel  WASH- 
jN_E_  i  INGTOV  called  a  council  of  war.  The  unani- 
mous advice  of  which  was,  to  return  to  theii 
position  at  the  Great  Meadows  ;  because  the  two  roada 
at  that  place  united,  and  the  country  did  not  allow  an 
enemy  to  pass  them  unperceived  ;  and  at  this  place 
they  might  wait  the  arrival  of  a  supply  of  provisions, 
and  reinforcement  of  men.  The  Colonel  approved  the 
advice  of  his  officers,  and  immediately  carried  it  into 
effect.  (July  2)  His  first  care,  was  to  sink  a  ditch 
round  the  stockade,  which  he  now  named  Fort  Neces- 
sity; but  before  it  was  completed,  the  enemy  attacked 
him,  (July  3)  under  the  command  of  Monsieur  de  Vil- 
ner,  whose  force  consisted  of  fifteen  hundred  men. 
The  assault  was  gallantly  made,  and  bravely  repelled. 
Part  of  the  garrison  fought  within  the  fort,  and  part  in 
the  ditch,  which  was  almost  filled  with  mud  and  water. 
Colonel  WASHINGTON,  during  the  whole  action,  re- 
mained without  the  fort,  by  his  presence  and  example 
animating  his  men.  The  attack  began  at  ten  in  the 
morning,  and  was  continued  without  intermission  aa 
long  as  the  light  of  day  remained.  Early  in  the  even- 
ing Monsieur  de  Villier  demanded  a  parley  and  men- 
tioned the  terms  of  capitulation  which  he  was  willing 
tc  grant.  These  were  rejected ;  but  in  the  course  of 
the  night,  articles  were  agreed  upon  and  signed.  By 
these,  the  fort  was  to  be  surrendered,  the  garrison  al- 
lowed the  honours  of  war,  to  retain  their  fire  arms  and 
bajrgage,  and  unmolested  to  march  to  the  inhabited 


<8  LIFE  OF  WASHING-TON.  [175% 

part  of  Viiolnia.  The  capitulation  was  the  work  of 
haste,  and  written  in  the  French  language,  with  which 
neither  Colonel  WASHINGTON  nor  any  of  his  officers 
were  acquainted,  and  unfortunately  contained  an  ex- 
pression, whi"h  the  translator,  at  the  time,  construed 
to  Colonel  WASHINGTON  to  imply,  that  Mr.  Jumonville, 
in  the  first  action  was  killed ;  but  which  literally 
would  bear  the  translation,  was  assassinated.  In  an- 
swer to  a  publication  of  Monsieur  de  Villier,  Colonel 
WASHINGTON,  soon  after  the  event,  made  it  fully  ap- 
pear that  he  did  not  understand  the  import  of  the  word  ; 
but  during  his  presidency,  an  enemy  had  the  audacity 
to  call  him,  upon  the  strength  of  this  capitulation,  an 
assassin* 

The  killed  and  wounded  in  the  Virginia  regiment, 
on  this  occasion  amounted  to  fifty-eight.  The  enemy 
were  stated  to  have  had  about  two  hundred  killed  and 
wounded. 

The  publick  gave  to  this  brave  band,  merited  praise  ; 
and  the  assembly  of  Virginia  expressed  their  sense  of 
the  resolution  and  judgment  displayed  in  the  above 
action,  by  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Colonel  WASHINGTON 
and  his  officers,  and  by  a  donation  of  three  hundred 
pistoles  to  the  soldiery. 

The  regiment  fell  back  to  Winchester  to  recruit. 
At  this  place,  the  companies  from  North-Carolina  and 
Maryland  joined  the  Virginia  force  ;  the  whole  com- 
manded ty  Colonel  Innes  of  North-Carolina. 

Governor  Dinwiddie,  with -advice  of  council,  order 
ed  the  troops  to  march  over  the  Alleghany  mountains; 
cither  to  drive  the  French  from  du  Quesne.  or  In  erect 
a  fort  in  a  favourable  position.  The  forces  wore  in 
number  much  inferir  ur  to  tlirse  of  the  enemy,  and  were 
totally  unprovided  with  articles  of  clothing  and  pro- 
visions, essentral  to  a  winter's  campaign.  Orders 
wci«3  als»o  given  immediately  to  fill  up  the  regiment 

*  In  an  infamous  piihlic-aiiou  in  (he  Aurora,  under  the  si^ 
nature  of  J  ASP EK  DWIGHT. 


1755.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Id 

although  no  money  was  voted  for  the  recruiting  ser- 
vice. Colonel  WASHINGTON  pointedly  remonstrated 
against  these  measures  ;  but  being  adopted,  did  ail  in 
his  power  to  carry  them  into  effect.  The  Legislature 
Boon  rose,  without  providing  effectual  means  for  active 
•ervice,  and  the  troops  did  not  march.' 

During  the  succeeding  winter,  regulations  from  the 
war  office  were  published  in  America,  which  provided, 
that  general  and  field  officers  of  provincial  troops, 
when  serving  with  general  and  field  officers  commis- 
sioned by  the  crown,  should  have  no  rank  ;  and,  con- 
sequently, that  senior  provincial  officers  should  be 
commanded  by  their  juniors  belonging  to  the  regular 
troops. 

The  military  ambition  of  Colonel  WASHINGTON  had 
been  excited  by  his  experience,  and  by  the  applause  ol 
his  country  ;  but  he  possessed  the  spirit  of  a  soldier, 
and  refusing  submission  to  these  degrading  regulations, 
he  indignantly  resigned  his  commission.  At  the  same 
time  he  declared,  that  with  high  satisfaction  he  would 
obey  the  commands  of  his  country,  when  her  service 
should  be  consistent  with  his  honour. 

17f>5.  Colonel  WASHINGTON  had  at  this  time  suc- 
ceeded to  the  estate  of  his  eldest  brother,  on  the  Poto- 
mack,  called  Mount  Vernon,  in  compliment  to  the 
British  Admiral  of  that  name.  On  this  estate  he  re- 
solved to  devote  his  life  to  agricultural  and  philosophick 
pursuits,  a  resolution  that  he  did  not  long  retain. 

In    the  spring,    General    Braddock,    who 

i-i1^H°     commanded    two    British   regiments,  and  a 
lloo.        „  .          .     .  ,  ' 

tew  corps  of  Provincials,  was  making  prepa- 
ration for  an  expedition  to  the  Ohio.  He  invitee  Ct  lo 
nel  WASHINGTON  to  join  his  arm^  ,  as  his  volunteer  Aid 
do  camp.  The  opportunity  of  making  a  t-umpaign 
with  a  gci.tleman  of  his  professional  knowledge  and 
experience  was  with  pleasure  embraced.  When  the 
General,  in  April,  left  Alexandria,  Colonel  WASHING- 
TON entered  his  family,  and  attended  him  to  Will's 


20  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1755 

Creek,  where  fort  Cumberland  was  now  erected 
Here  the  army  remained  until  the  12th  of  June,  col- 
lecting horses,  wagons,  and  provisions.  Colonel 
WASHINGTON  advised  the  commander  in  chief  to  use 
as  far  as  possible,  pack  horses  instead  of  wagons,  on 
•ccount  of  the  roughness  of  the  country.  Little  atten- 
tion was  given  to  his  opinion  at  the  moment,  but,  after 
the  commencement  of  the  inarch,  the  measure  frcm 
necessity  was  partially  adopted. 

Soon  after  the  army  left  Cumberland,  Colonel 
WASHINGTON  was  attacked  by  a  violent  fever  ;  refusing 
to  be  left  behind,  he  was  carried  forward  in  a  covered 
wagon.  All  the  difficulties  arising  from  the  state  of 
the  roads,  whkh  had  been  foreseen  by  Colonel  WASH- 
INGTON, were,  on  the  march,  fully  realised.  General 
Braddock  now  advised  with  him  on  the  most  eligible 
measures  to  be  adopted  to  secure  the  success  of  the 
expedition.  He  earnestly  recommended,  that  the 
heavy  artillery  and  baggage  should  be  left  under  the 
charge  of  a  subaltern  officer  ;  and,  that  the  commander 
in  chief,  with  the  flower  of  his  army,  should  with  the 
utmost  despatch  advance  to  the  Ohio,  in  the  expecta- 
tion of  possessing  themselves  of  Fort  du  Quesne.  be- 
fore the  French  garrison  could  be  reinforced  by  the 
troops  tiiat  were  known  to  be  on  their  way  for  that 
purpose.  The  general  closed  with  this  advice.  Twelve 
hundred  men  were  selected,  a  few  wagons  were  at- 
tached to  the  light  artillery,  and  necessary  provisions 
were  placed  on  pack  horses.  Of  thi.s  body  General 
Braddock  himself  took  the  command,  leaving  Colonel 
iJimbar  *.o  bring  up  the  other  division  by  slow  marches. 

Gen'  ral  Bradd<x;k  with  his  disencumbered  troopa 
did  not  move  with  the  expedition  that  accorded  with 
the  enterprising  spirit  of  his  American  aid.  In  a  letter 
written  at  the  moment,  he  says, "  I  found  that  instead 
of  pushing  on  with  vigour,  without  regarding  a  little 
rou^h  road,  they  were  halting  to  level  every  mole  hill, 
•»j»d  to  erect  bridges  over  every  brook."  In  four  days 


1755.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  2> 

they  advanced  only  nineteen  miles.  The  indisposition 
of  Colonel  VV/SHINGTON  now  became  so  severe,  tliat 
his  physicians  declared  that  his  life  would  be  the  sacri- 
fice of  the  continued  fatigues  of  the  ma/ch.  The 
General  therefore  absolutely  directed  him  to  remain  at 
Yohogany  with  a  small  guard,  until  Colonel  Duiibar 
came  up  with  him.  Colonel  WASHINGTON  at  length 
consented,  on  the  promise  that  he  should  be  brought 
up  with  the  advanced  corps,  before  its  arrival  at  Fort 
du  Quesne.  The  day  preceding  the  fatal  action,  lie, 
»n  a  covered  wagon,  rejoined  the  troops,  and,  in  his 
debilitated  state,  entered  on  his  duty. 

General  Braddock  was  warned  of  the  danger,  to 
which  the  character  of  his  enemy  exposed  him,  and 
aiivised  to  employ  the  ranging  companies  of  Virginia 
to  scour  the  woods,  and  prevent  ambuscades  ;  but  not 
looking  for  an  enemy  capable  of  serious  opposition,  he 
without  caution  moved  his  army  in  small  columns. 
Within  seven  miles  of  du  Quesne,  he  was  suddenly 
attacked  by  an  invisible  foe  ;  the  assaulting 

[  I  •  i    y    "  J  ~^ 

lloo  '     Parl}'  °f  French  and    Indians  fighting  under 
cover  of  the  thick  wood  and  high  grass,  with 
which  the  country  abounded. 

Early  in  the  action,  the  Aids  do  camp,  except  Colo- 
nel WASHINGTON,  were  killed  or  disableo,  and  he  per- 
formed the  whole  of  the  dangerous  service  of  carrying 
the  orders  of  the  commander  to  his  respective  officers. 
Of  all  those,  who  on  this  fatal  day  did  duty  on  horse- 
oack,  he  alone  escaped  without  a  wound  ;  although  he 
had  two  horses  shot  under  him,  and  four  balls  through 
hi*  coat.  Doctor  Craik.  the  physician  who  attended 
liim  in  his  last  sickness,  was  a  witness  of  this  scene: 
"  I  exper  ted,"  says  lie,  "  every  moment  to  see  him 
fall. — His  duty  and  situation  exposed  him  tc  every 
danjrer.  Nothing  but  the  superintending  care  of  Pro- 
vidence could  have  saved  him  from  the  fate  of  all 
around  him." 

Afler  an  action  of  three  hours,  the  troops  broke,  and 


82  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.         [1755 

the  efforts  of  their  officers  to  rally  them  were  fruitless 
Colonel  WASHINGTON  assisted  to  bring  General  Brad- 
dock  off  the  field,  who  was  morlallj  wounded.  He 
reached  fort  Cumberland,  and  there  aied,  and  was  bu- 
ried. During  the  arducus  and  dangerous  conflicts  of 
this  hour,  Colonel  WASHINGTON  exhibited  that  telf 
possession  and  determined  couiage,  which  are  essen- 
tial to  the  officer.  To  his  quick  discernment  and 
Bound  judgment,  the  preservation  of  the  defeated  troops 
was  in  a  great  measure  attributed  5  and  had  his  advice 
been  previously  adopted,  probably  the  disaster  would 
not  have  happened.  As  soon  as  relieved  from  his  at- 
tention to  his  unfortunate  General,  he  was  despatched 
to  Cumberland,  to  provide  for  the  retreating  army. 

Colonel  Dunbar  being  joined  by  them,  de- 

AUGUST,  , 

1755         stroyed  the  stores  he  could  not  remove,  and 

marched  his  army  to  Philadelphia  into  win- 
ter quarters. 

The  British  troops  had  not  been  accustomed  to  In- 
dian warfare  ;  and,  on  this  occasion,  Col.  WASHING- 
TON indignantly  witnessed  their  pusillanimity.  In  an 
official  relation  of  the  engagement,  to  the  Executive 
of  Virginia,  he  observes,  "  They  were  struck  with 
such  an  inconceivable  panick,  that  nothing  but  confu- 
sion and  disobedience  of  orders  prevailed  among  them. 
The  officers  in  general  behaved  with  incomparable 
bravery,  for  which  they  greatly  suffered;  there  being 
upwards  of  sixty  killed  and  wounded ;  a  large  propor- 
tion of  what  we  had. 

"  The  Virginia  companies  behaved  like  men,  and 
died  like  soldiers  ;  for  I  believe  of  three  companies  on 
the  ground  that  day,  scarce'y  thirty  men  were  left 
alive.  Capt.  Peronny  and  a  1  his  officers,  do^'n  to  a 
corporal,  were  killed.  Capt.  Poulson  had  almost  as 
hard  a  fate,  for  only  one  of  his  escaped.  In  short,  tha 
dastardly  behaviour  of  the  regular  troops,  so  called, 
exposed  those  who  were  inclined  to  do  their  duty  to 
ahnos'  certain  death.  And  at  length,  in  spife  of  every 


1755.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  23 

effort  to  the  contrary,  they  broke  and  ran  as  sheep  oe 
fore  hounds ;  leaving  the  artillery,  ammunition,  pro 
visions,  baggage,  in  short  every  tiling,  a  prey  to  the 
enemy ;  and  when  we  endeavoured  to  rally  them,  in 
hopes  of  regaining  the  ground,  and  what  we  had  left 
'jpon  it,  it  was  with  as  little  success,  as  if  we  had  at- 
tempted to  stop  the  wild  bears  of  the  mountains,  or  the 
rivulets  with  our  feet ;  for  they  would  break  by  in 
epite  of  every  effort  to  prevent  it." 

The  assembly  of  Virginia  was  in  session,  when  the 
gloomy  intelligence  was  received,  that  General  Brad- 
dock  was  defeated  and  slain,  and  that  Colonel  Durbar 
had  left  their  frontiers  open  to  the  invasion  of  the  eno 
my.  They  immediate'ly  voted  to  raise  a  regiment  to 
consist  of  sixteen  companies. 

The  important  transactions  in  which  Colonel  WASH- 
INGTON had  been  engaged,  developed  his  character,  and 
his  reputation  rose  by  every  publick  trust  with  which 
he  was  invested.  He  now  received  a  commission  ap- 
pointing him  Colonel  of  this  regiment,  and  Commander 
in  Chief  of  all  the  forces  raised,  and  to  be  raised,  in 
Virginia  ;  with  the  privilege  to  name  his  field  officers. 
He  could,  in  the  existing  state  of  the  colony,  engage 
in  the  military  service  of  his  country  without  an  im- 
peachment of  his  honour,  and  with  alacrity  he  accept 
ed  the  appointment. 

1755.  A  scene  now  opened  to  Colonel  WASHING- 
TON, trying  indeed  to  a  Commander  of  his  youth  and 
degree  of  cxpeiience,  but  proving  an  excellent  school, 
in  which  to  form  the  General  of  the  revolutionary  war 
With  &,n  incompetent  force  he  was  to  defend  a  fron- 
tier of  three  hundred  and  sixty  miles.  The  French  on 
the  Ohio,  aided  by  the  numcTous  Indians,  attached  to 
their  interests,  embraced  every  favourable  opportunity 
to  invade  the  northern  and  western  borders  of  Virginia, 
spreading  terrour  and  desolation  in  their  course  ;  and 
having  completed  their  work  of  slaughter  and  ruin, 
they  retreated  with  their  plunder  over  the  Allegheny 


14  T.IFE  OF  WASHING.TOW.         ^ 

mountain,  before  a  force  could  be  collected  to  attack 
them. — Governor  Dinwiddie  was  not  himself  a  soldier, 
nor  did  he  possess  a  mind  to  comprehend  the  nature 
pf  this  mode  of  warfare.  Jealous  of  his  prerogative, 
and  obstinate  in  his  temper,  his  orders  were  often  in- 
adequate to  their  object,  or  impracticable  in  their  na- 
ture. The  military  code  of  the  colony  was  insuffi 
cient,  which  rendered  it  impossible  to  bring  the  mili- 
tia into  the  field  with  the  despatch  necessary  to  repel 
a.n  Indian  invasion  ;  and  her  martial  laws  did  not  pos- 
sess vigour  to  prevent  insubordination  in  officers,  or 
secure  discipline  in  the  permanent  troops.  The  colo- 
ny was  at  that  time  too  poor,  or  too  improvident,  sea- 
sonably to  lay  up  magazines  for  the  us«  of  her  little 
army,  or  to  keep  money  in  the  military  chest  for  its 
regular  payment. 

Under  all  these  embarrassments,  Colonel  WASHING- 
TON entered  on  the  duties  of  his  commission.  Having 
put  the  recruitinor  service  in  operation,  he  visited  the 
line  of  posts  on  the  frontiers,  and  established  the  best 
regulations  their  state  admitted,  to  keep  the  petty  gar- 
risons vigilant  and  alert. 

.  He  had  accomplished  this  necessary  business,  and 
nearly  completed  a  journey  to  Williamsburg,  to  settle 
with  the  Governor  the  plan  of  operations  ;  and  to  press 
upon  him,  and  other  officers  of  government,  the  im- 
portance of  Legislative  interference  to  conciliatf.  those 
Indians  who  were  not  already  attached  to  the  French  , 
and  to  adopt  effectual  means  and  regulations  to  sup- 
port and  discipline  the  troops ;  when  information 
readied  him  of  an  eruption  of  the  French  and  Indians 
on  the  northern  border.  In  haste  he  returned  »o  %Vin- 
chestei,  and  found  the  country  in  the  utmost  alarm  and 
confusion.  The  small  garrisons  conceived  themselves 
to  be  in  danger  in  their  fortresses,  and  were  unable  to 
orotect  the  open  country.  The  inhabitants  on  the  ex 
treme  frontier,  instead  of  uniting  their  force  for  mutual 
safety,  fell  back  and  communicated  their  fears  to  more 


1750.]  LWK  OF  WASHINGTON.  28 

mteriour  places.  Orders  to  call  the  militia  into  the 
fi«ld  were  unavailing  ;  tlie  solicitude  and  exertion  of 
each  individual  were  directed  to  the  immediate  pre- 
servation of  his  family  and  property.  The  sufferings 
of  his  coui.trymen  deeply  wc-unded  the  heart  of  Colo- 
nel WASHINGTON.  Every  measure  was  adopted,  that 
an  enterprising  spirit  could  suggest ;  and  all  the  means 
he  possessed  were  judiciously  and  strenuously  exerted 
for  their  protection  ;  but  all  were  ineffectual.  He  was 
compelled  to  be  the  witness  of  the  calamity  of  friends, 
whom  he  could  not  relieve  ;  and  of  the  carnage  and 
ravages  of  a  ferocious  enemy,  whom  he  could  not  clras- 
tise.  Before  a  force  from  below  could  be  collected, 
the  invading  foe,  having  glutted  their  appetite  for 
blood,  and  loaded  themselves  with  spoil,  recrossed  the 
mountain. 

Three  years  service  affords  little  else,  than  a  repe 
tition  of  scenes  of  a  similar  nature ;  scenes,  which  oc- 
casioned these  settlements  the  utmost  horrour  and  dis- 
tress, and  brought  the  fortitude  and  military  resources 
of  the  Commander  to  a  severe  test ;  but  which,  in  re- 
cital, would  swell  this  work  beyond  the  designed 
bounds.  The  regiment  never  consisted  of  more  than 
one  thousand  effective  men.  Colonel  WASHINGTON, 
in  addition  to  the  appropriate  duty  of  his  commission, 
was  obliged  to  ciiiperintend  the  operations  of  each  subor- 
dinate department,  and  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  the 
impoverished  inhabitants. 

During  this  period,  he.  unremittingly  urged  upon  the 
Executive  and  Legislature  of  his  Province,  the  insuf- 
ficiency of  the  mode  adopted  to  prosecute  the  war. 
He  earnestlv  recommended  offensive  operations,  as  the 
only  measure  which  would  effectually  relieve  the 
Colony  from  the  heavy  loss  of  inhabitants,  and  from 
the  expense  of  money  yearly  sustained  ;  and  prevent 
the  total  depopulation  of  tho  fertile  plains  beyond  tha 
Blue  Ridge.  If  the  necessary  co-operation  of  Great 
Britain,  to  enable  the  colony  to  drive  the  enemy  from 
3 


K  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [173ft 

the  Ohio,  were  unattainable,  which  would  prove  a 
radical  cure  of  the  evil,  he  strongly  recommended, 
that  a  regular  force  of  two  thousand  rnen  slumld  be 
raised.  By  this  measure  he  thought  the  militia,  whose 
•ervices  were  attended  with  incalculable  expense,  ana 
were  seldom  productive  of  good,  might  be  relieved 
from  temporary  draughts.  The  feelings  and  views  of 
Col.  WASHINGTON  on  these  subjects,  will  fully  appear 
by  the  following  extracts  from  letters  which  he  wrote 
at  the  time.  In  a  despatch  to  the  Lieutenant  Govern- 
our,  he  thus  paints  the  situation  of  the  inhabitants  and 
the  troops.  "  I  see  their  situation,  I  know  their  dan- 
ger, and  participate  their  sufferings,  without  hav- 
ing it  in  my  power  to  give  them  further  relief  than 
uncertain  promises.  In  short,  I  see  inevitable  destruc- 
tion in  so  clear  a  light,  that,  unless  vigorous  measures 
are  taken  by  the  Assembly,  and  speedy  assistance  sent 
from  below,  the  poor  inhabitants,  now  in  forts,  must 
unavoidably  fall,  while  the  remainder  are  flying  before 
the  barbarous  foe.  In  fine,  the  melancholy  situation 
of  the  people,  the  little  prospect  of  assistance,  the 
gross  and  scandalous  abuses  cast  upon  the  officers  in 
general,  which  is  reflecting  on  me  in  particular,  for 
Buffering  misconduct  of  such  extraordinary  kind,  and 
the  distant  prospect,  if  any,  of  gaining  reputation  in 
the  service,  cause  me  to  lament  the  hour  that  gave  me 
a  commission,  and  would  induce  me  at  any  other  time 
than  this  of  imminent  danger,  to  resign,  without  one 
hesitating  moment,  a  command,  from  which  I  never 
expect  to  reap  either  honour  or  benefit ;  but,  on  the 
contiaiy,  have  almost  an  absolute  certainty  of  incur- 
ing  displeasure  below,  while  the  murder  of  helples* 
families  may  be  laid  to  my  account  here. 

"  The  supplicating  tears  of  the  women,  and  moving 
petitions  of  the  men,  melt  me  with  such  deadly  sorrow, 
that  I  solemnly  declare,  if  I  know  my  own  mind,  I  could 
offer  myseif  a  willing  sacrifice  to  the  butchering  ene 
jiy,  provided  tbat  would  conduce  to  tiie  people's  ease  * 


1756.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  27 

The  inefficiency  of  the  militia  he  thus  portrayed. 

"  The  inhabitants  are  so  sensible  of  their  danger  if 
(eft  to  the  protection  of  these  people,  (militia)  that  not 
a  man  will  stay  at  his  place.  Tnis  I  have  from  their 
own  mouths,  and  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Augusta 
county.  The  militia  are  under  such  bad  order  and  dis- 
cipline, that  they  will  coive  and  go  when  and  where 
(hey  please,  without  regarding  time,  their  officers,  or 
(he  safety  of  the  inhabitants.  There  should  be,  ac- 
cording to  your  honour's  orders,  one  third  of  the  mili- 
tia of  these  parts  on  duty,  at  a  time  ;  instead  of  that, 
scarce  one  thirtieth  is  out.  They  are  to  be  relieved 
every  month,  and  they  are  a  great  part  of  that  time 
marching  to  and  from  their  stations  ;  and  they  will 
not  wait  one  day  longer  than  the  Ihnited  time,  whether 
relieved  or  not,  however  urgent  the  necessity  for  their 
continuance  may  be." 

"  I  met  with  Col.  Buchanan,  with  about  thirty  men, 
chiefly  officers,  to  conduct  me  up  Jackson's  river, 
along  the  range  of  forts.  With  this  small  company  of 
irregulars,  with  whom  order,  regularity,  circumspec- 
tion, and  vigilance  were  matters  of  derision  and  con- 
tempt, we  set  out,  and  by  the  protection  of  providence, 
reached  Augusta  court-house  in  seven  days,  without 
meeting  the  enemy ;  otherwise  we  must  have  been 
sacrificed  by  the  indiscretion  of  these  whooping,  halloo- 
ing, gentleman  soldiers. — This  jaunt  afforded  me 
greot  opportunity  of  seeing  the  bad  regulation  of  the 
militia,  the  disorderly  proceedings  of  the  garrisons, 
and  the  unhappy  circumstances  of  the  inhabitants. 

"  We  are  either  insensible  of  danger  until  it  breaks 
upon  our  Ueads,  or  else  through  mistaken  notions  o*" 
economy,  evade  the  expense  until  the  blow  is  struck,, 
and  then  run  into  an  extreme  of  raising  the  militia. 
These,  after  an  age,  as  it  were,  is  spent  in  assembling 
them,  come  up,  make  a  noise  for  a  time,  oppress  the 
inhabitants,  and  then  mturn,  leaving  the  frontiers  un 
guarded  as  before.  This  is  still  our  reliance,  notwith 


28  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1756 

Itanding  former  experience  convinces  us,  if  reason  did 
not,  that  the  French  and  Indians  are  watching  the  op- 
portunity when  we  shall  be  lulled  into  fatal  security, 
and  unprepared  to  resist  an  attack,  to  invade  the  coun 
try,  and  by  ravaging  one  part,  terrify  another  ;  that 
they  retreat  when  our  militia  assemble,  and  repeat  the 
Btroke  as  soon  as  they  are  dispersed  ;  that  they  send 
down  parties  in  the  intermediate  time,  to  discover  our 
motions,  procure  intelligence,  and  sometimes  to  diveit 
the  troops." 

The  expediency  of  an  offensive  war,  he  supported 
by  the  following  observations. 

"  The  certainty  of  advantage  by  an  offensive  scheme 
of  action,  renders  it  beyond  any  doubt,  much  prefera- 
ble to  our  defensive  measures.  To  prove  this  to  you, 
Sir,  requires,  I  presume,  no  arguments.  Our  scattered 
force, "so  separated  and  dispersed  in  weak  parties,  avails 
little  to  stop  the  secret  incursions  of  the  savages.  We 
can  only  put  them  to  flight,  or  frighten  them  to  some 
other  part  of  the  country,  which  answers  not  the  end 
proposed.  Whereas,  had  we  strength  enough  to  in- 
vade their  lands,  and  assault  their  towns,  we  should 
restrain  them  from  coming  abroad  and  leaving  their 
families  exposed.  We  then  should  remove  the  princi- 
pal cause,  and  have  stronger  probability  of  success  ; 
we  should  be  free  from  the  many  alarms,  mischiefs,  and 
murders  that  now  attend  us  ;  we  should  inspirit  the 
hearts  of  our  few  Indian  friends,  and  gain  more  esteem 
with  them.  In,  short,  could  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land be  induced  to  join  us  in  an  expedition  of  this  na- 
ture, and  to  petition  his  Excellency  Lord  Loudoun  for  a 
email  train  of  artillery,  with  some  engineers,  we  should 
be  able,  in  all  human  probability,  to  subdue  the 
terrour  of  Fort  du  Quesne,  retrieve  our  character  with 
the  Indians,  and  restore  peace  to  our  unhappy  fron 
tiers." 

On  supposition  that  the  assembly  should  persist  in 
the  scheme  of  defensive  warfare,  he  presented  to  tha 


1757.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  » 

Governour  a  plan  for  his  opinion.  This  was  to  esta- 
blish twenty -two  forts,  reaching  from  the  river  Mayo  to 
the  Potomack,  in  a  line  of  three  hundred  and  sixty 
miles  ;  and  which  were  to  be  garrisoned,  by  a  regular 
force,  consisting  of  two  thousand  men. 

The  pride  of  Governour  Uinwiddie  was  offended  by 
these  frank  communications  of  a  gallant  and  inde- 
pendent officer.  In  uncourtly  language  he  censured 
advice,  which  he  could  not  comprehend,  and  reproach 
ed  this  officer  with  officiousncss  and  neglect  of  duty 
Colonel  WASIIIK  ;TON  felt  '.he  reprimand  as  a  patriot, 
the  welfare  of  whose  country  ever  dwelt  on  his  heart ; 
and,  like  a  soldier,  who  had  an  invaluable  prize  in  his 
own  reputation.  In  the  consciousness  of  having  made 
the  highest  efforts  faithfully  to-  execute  the  trust  re- 
posed in  him,  he  thus  with  spirit  replied  to  the  charge, 
in  a  letter  to  a  friend.  "  Whence  it  arises,  or  why,  1 
am  ignorant,  but  my  strongest  representations  of  mat- 
ters relative  to  the  peace  of  the  frontiers  are  disregarded 
as  idle  and  frivolous  ;  my  propositions  and  measures,  as 
partial  and  selfish ;  and  all  my  sincerest  endeavours 
for  the  service  of  my»country,  perverted  to  the  worst 
purposes.  My  orders  are  dark,  doubtful,  and  uncertain. 
To-day  approved,  to-morrow  condemned  ;  left  to  act 
and  proceed  at  hazard  ;  accountable  for  the  conse- 
quences, and  blamed  without  the  benefit  of  defence 
If  you  can  think  my  situation  capable  of  exciting  the 
smallest  degree  of  envy,  or  of  affording  the  least  satis- 
faction, the  truth  is  yet  hid  from  you,  and  you  enter- 
tain notions  very  different  from  the  reality  of  the  case. 
However,  I  am  determined  to  beai  up  under  all  these 
embarrassments,  some  lime  longer,  in  the  hope  of  bet- 
ter regulations  under  Lord  Loudoun,  to  whom  I  lori|fc 
for  the  future  fate  of  Virginia." 

To  the  Governour  himself,  in  answer  to  a  communi- 
cation from  him,  w^ich  conveyed  a  censure,  he  wrote, 
"  I  must  beg  leave,  before   I  conclude,  to  observe,  in 
iustification  of  mv  own  conduct,  that  it  is  with  pleasurt 
3* 


30  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1757 

I  receive  reproof  when  reproof  is  due,  because  no  per- 
Bon  can  be  readier  to  accuse  me,  than  I  am  to  ac- 
knowledge an  errour  when  I  have  committed  it :  nor 
more  desirous  of  atoning  for  a  crime,  when  I  am  sen- 
Bible  of  being  guilty  of  one.  But,  on  the  other  hand, 
it  is  with  concern  I  remark,  that  my  best  endeavouis 
lose  their  reward,  and  that  my  conduct,  although  1 
have  uniformly  studied  to  make  it  as  unexceptionable 
as  I  could,  does  not  appear  to  you  in  a  favourable 
point  of  light.  Otherwise  your  Honour  would  not 
have  accused  me  of  loose  behaviour  and  rcrnissness  oi 
duty,  in  matters,  where  I  think  I  have  rather  exceeded 
than  fallen  short  of  it.  This,  I  think,  is  evidently  the 
case  in  speaking  of  Indian  affairs  at  all,  after  being  in- 
structed in  very  express  terms,  '  Not  to  have  any  con- 
cern with,  or  management  of  Indian  affairs.'  This 
has  induced  me  to  forbear  mentioning  the  Indians  in 
my  letters  to  your  Honour  of  late,  and  to  leave  the 
misunderstanding  which  you  speak  of,  between  Mr 
Alkin  and  them,  to  bo  related  by  him." 

He  had  been  informed  by 'letter  of  a  report  communi- 
cated to  the  Govcrnour,  impeaching  his  veracity  and 
honour.  A  copy  of  this  letter  he  enclosed  to  his  Ho- 
nour, earnestly  requesting  of  him  the  name  of  the  au 
tliorof  this  report.  "  1  should  taKe  it  infinitely  kind  if 
your  Honour  would  please  to  inform  me,  whether  a 
report  of  this  nature  was  ever  made  to  you,  and  in 
that  case,  who  was  the  author  of  it  ? 

"  It  is  evident,  from  a  variety  of  circumstances  and 
especially  from  the  change  in  your  Hoi  ovr  <  r-or...uct 
towards  me,  that  some  person  as  well  incn...  !  to  de- 
tract, but  better  skilled  in  the  ait  of  detraction  than 
the  author  of  the  ab-jve  stupid  scandal,  has  made  free 
with  my  character.  For  I  cannot  suppose  that  malice 
so  absurd,  so  barefaced,  so  diametrically  opposite  to 
truth,  to  common  policy,  and  in  short  to  every  tiling 
but  villany,  as  the  above  is,  could  impress  you  with  so 
ill  an  opinion  of  my  honour  and  honesty. 


1757.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  31 

"  If  it  be  possible  that  Colonel ,  for  my  belief  is 

Btaggered,  not  being  conscious  of  having  given  the 
least  cause  to  any  one,  much  less  to  that  gentleman, 
to  reflect  so  grossly.  I  say,  if  it  be  possible  that  — — 
could  descend  so  low,  as  to  be  the  propagator  of  this 
Btory,  he  must  either  be  vastly  ignorant  of  the  state  of 
affairs  in  this  country  at  that  time,  or  else  he  must 
suppose  that  the  whole  body  of  inhabitants  had  com- 
bined with  me  in  executing  the  deceitful  fraud.  Or, 
why  did  they,  almost  to  a  man,  forsake  their  dwellings 
in  the  greatest  terrour  and  confusion  ?  And  while  one 
half  of  them  sought  shelter  in  paltry  forts  of  their  own 
building,  the  others  should  flee  to  the  adjacent  counties 
for  refuge  ;  numbers  of  them  even  to  Carolina,  from 
whence  they  have  never  returned  ? 

"  These  are  facts  well  known  ;  but  not  better  known, 
than  that  these  wretched  people,  while  they  lay  pent 
up  in  forts,  destitute  of  the  common  supports  of  life, 
(having,  in  their  precipitate  flight,  forgotten,  or  were 
unable  rather  to  secure  any  kind  of  necessaries)  did 
despatch  messengers,  (tlwnkmg  that  I  had  not  repre- 
sented their  miseries  in  the  piteous  manner  they  de 
served)  with  addresses  of  their  own  to  your  Honour 
and  the  Assembly,  praying  relief.  And  did  I  ever 
send  any  alarming  account,  without  sending  also  the 
original  papers,  or  the  copies,  which  gave  rise  to  it. 

"  That  I  have  foibles,  and  perhaps  many,  I  shall  not 
deny.  1  should  esteem  myself,  as  the  world  also 
would,  vain  and  empty,  were  I  to  arrogate  perfection. 

"  Knowledge  in  military  matters,  is  to  be  acquired 
by  practice  and  experience  only,  and  if  I  have  erred, 
great  allowance  should  be  made  for  my  errours  for 
want  of  them,  unless  those  errours  should  appear  to  bo 
wilful ;  and  then  I  conceive  it  would  be  more  gene- 
rous to  charge  me  with  my  faults,  and  let  me  stand  or 
fall  according  to  evidence,  than  to  stigmatize  me  be- 
himl  my  back. 

"  \t  is  uncertain  in  what  light  my  services  may  have 


32  LIFE  OP    WASHINGTON.  [1751 

appeared  to  your  Honour ,  but  this  I  know,  and  it  il 
the  highest  consolation  I  am  capable  of  feeling,  that 
no  man  that  ever  was  employed  in  a  pubiick  capacity, 
has  endeavoured  to  discharge  the  trust  reposed  in  him 
with  greater  honesty,  and  more  zeal  for  the  country's 
interest,  than  1  have  done  ;  but  if  there  is  any  person 
living,  who  can  say  with  justice,  that  1  have  offered 
any  intentional  wrong  to  the  pubiick,  I  will  cheerfully 
submit  to  the  most  ignominious  punishment  that  an 
injured  people  ought  to  indict.  On  the  other  hand,  it 
is  hard  to  have  my  character  arraigned,  and  my  ac- 
tions condemned,  without  an  hearing. 

"  1  must  therefore  again  beg  in  more  plain,  and  in 

very  earnest  terms  to  know  if has  taken  the  liber 

ty  of  representing  my  conduct  to  your  Honour,  with 
such  ungentlemanly  freedom  as  the  letter  implies  ' 
Your  condescension  herein  will  be  acknowledged  a 
singular  favour." 

Soon  after  this  transaction,  Mr.  Dinwiddie  left  the 
government,  and  Mr.  Blair,  the  president  of  the  Coun- 
cil, became,  for  a  short  time,  the  Executive,  between 
whom  and  Colonel  WASHINGTON  perfect  confidence 
and  free  communication  existed. 

1757.  This  year  Lord  Loudoun  succeeded  to  the 
civil  government  of  Virginia,  and  to  the  chief  com- 
mand of  the  British  troops  in  North  America.  Colo- 
nel WASHINGTON  obtained  permission  to  wait  upon 
him  the  succeeding  winter ;  to  whom  he  presented  an 
address  from  his  regiment,  and  communicated  from 
himself  a  statement  of  the  military- situation  of  the 
colony.  In  this  he  pointed  out  the  errour  of  the  go- 
vernment in  the  management  of  the  war,  and  particu- 
larly in  their  depending  on  the  aid  of  the  militia  ;  and 
clearly  stated  the  superiour  advantages  of  offensive 
»perations. 

Colone.  WASHINGTON  was  sanguine  in  the  expecta- 
tion, that  Lord  Loudoun  would  adopt  his  darling  scheme 
of  an  expedition  to  dispossess  the  French  of  Fort  du 


I75«.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  3S 

Quesne  ;  but  his  Lordship  having  determined  to  di 
reel  his  force  against  Ticonderoga,  he  was  again  dis 
appointed. 

At  the  closo  of  the  year  1757,  General  Abercrombi« 
was  appointed  to  the  supreme  con  mand  in  America, 
and  General  Forbes  commissioned  as  the  commands! 
of  the  middle  district.  To  the  high  gratification  o( 
Colonel  WASHINGTON,  the  conquest  of  du  Quesne 
became  a  principal  object. 

1758.  Colonel -WASHINGTON,  not  expecting  to  be 
placed  on  the  establishment,  had  determined  to  resign 
his  commission  ;  but  he  thought  the  expedition  for  this 
purpose  presented  a  fair  prospect  of  distinguished  ser 
vice,  and  he  resolved  to  engage  in  it. 
|p  He  warmly  recommended  an  early  campaign  ;  for 
this,  among  other  reasons,  seven  hundred  Indians  had. 
in  April,  assembled  at  Winchester,  whose  patience 
would  be  exhausted  unless  early  employed  ;  and  in 
that  event,  he  observes,  "  No  words  can  tell  how  much 
they  will  be  missed." 

He  was  at  length  ordered  to  collect  the  Virginia 
troops  at  Winchester,  and  to  hold  them  in  readiness 
for  active  service.  At  this  late  moment,  when  the  du- 
ties of  the  field  demanded  his  attention,  he  was  obliged 
to  make  a  journey  to  Williamsburg,  to  provide  arms, 
clothing,  and  money  for  his  regiment ;  and  to  obtain 
for  his  soldiers,  the  same  pay  which  the  assembly,  in 
their. last  session,  had  vottd  to  a  regiment  raised  for 
the  present  campaign. 

Early  in  July  the  Virginia  forces  were  moved  tc 
Cumberland,  and  through  the  month  employed  it 
opening  a  road  from  that  place  to  Raystown  Flying 
parties  of  the  enemy  greatly  annoying  them  in  their 
business,  it  was  contemplated  to  send  a  detachment 
over  the  mountain,  to  restrain  the  French  and  Indiana 
rrom  this  annoyajice  ;  but  Col.  WASHINGTON  objected 
jo  the  measure,  because  the  detachment  would  be  ex 
Oossd  to  tlie  whole  force  of  the  enemy  on  the  Ohio 


34  L\FE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [175c, 

and  must  be  defeated.  The  plan  was  in  consequence 
given  up  ;  and  by  his  advice  frequent  scouts,  consist- 
ing principally  of  Indians,  were  substituted.  The  pre- 
di  ;tion  of  Colonel  WASHINGTON,  respecting  the  body 
of  Indians  at  Winchester,  was  verified  ;  before  the 
campaign  opened,  their  patience  was  exhausted,  and 
the"  -etired  to  their  homes. 

It  was  confidently  expected  thrt  the  army  would 
march  by  Braddock's  road,  which  needed  only  slight 
repairs  ;  but  on  the  last  of  this  month,  Col.  Bouquet 
by  letter,  requested  an  interview  with  Colonel  WASH- 
INGTON, to  consult  with  him  on  opening  a  new  route. 
In  reply  he  wrote,  u  1  shall  most  cheerfully  work  on 
any  road,  pursue  any  route,  or  enter  on  any  service 
that  the  General  or  youssclf  rnay  think  me  usefully* 
employed  in,  or  qualified  for  ;  and  shall  never  have  a 
will  of  my  own,  when  a  duty  is  required  of  me.  But 
since  you  desire  me  to  speak  my  sentiments  freely, 
permit  me  to  observe,  that  after  bavin?  conversed  with 
all  the  guides,  and  having  been  informed  by  others  ac 
quainted  with  tl*e  country,  I  am  convinced  that  a  road 
to  be  compared  with  Gen.  Braddock's,  or,  indeed,  that 
will  be  fit  for  transportation,  even  by  pack  horses,  can 
not  be  made.  1  own  1  have  no  predilection  for  the 
route  you  have  in  contemplation  for  me." 

Notwithstanding  every  remonstrance,  he  found  Col 
Bouquet  determined  to  open  the  new  road. — That 
nothing  in  his  power  might  be  omitted  to  prevent  thfl 
adoption  of  a  scheme,  which  he  thought  would  proba- 
bly defeat  the  expedition,  lie  addressed  a  letter  to  thia 
omcer,  v.'ith  the  express  design  that  it  should  be  laid 
before  General  Forbes,  then  indisposed  ;  in  which  he 
gave  the  following  reasons  for  the  preference  of  Brad- 
dock's  road. 

When  individuals  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  ho 
said,  were  about  to  establish  a  trade  with  the  natives 
on  the  Ohio,  they,  under  Indian  guides,  explored  the 
country,  and  adooted  the  road  by  Will's  Creek  as  the 


1758.]          LfFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  3* 

best  route.  This  road  had  been  opened  by  the  Ohio 
comnany  in  175:5,  and  had  been  repaired  in  1754  by  the 
troops  under  Ins  command,  as  far  as  Gist's  plantation, 
beyond  the  Great  Meadows.  In  1755  it  had  been  put 
in  good  order  by  General  Braddock,  and  could  with 
little  labour  be  fitted  for  use.  This  road,  therefore, 
must  be  preferable  to  a  new  route  over  ground  not 
more  favourable,  in  respect  to  forage  there  could  be 
no  material  difference.  The  hills  on  both  routes  were 
barren,  and  the  valleys  between  them  abounded  with 
grass.  The  objection  to  Braddock 's  road,  he  observed, 
on  account  of  high  waters,  was  not  founded  ;  he  had  ••' 
himself  passed  with  a  body  of  men,  the  Yohogany,  the 
most  rapid  stream,  and  the  so-mest  filled  of  any  on 

te  road,  after  thirty  days  of  almost  incessant  rain, 
he  Mononguhela  might  be  avoided.  The  defiles  on 
Raystown  road  were  as  numerous  as  on  Braddock's, 
a,nd  the  saving  in  distance  was  inconsiderable.  But 
the  insuperable  objection  to  the  new  route,  lie  observed, 
was  the  time  that  must  be  expended  in  opening  it. 
The  distance  was  Iktle  short  of  an  hundred  miles,  over 
mountains,  almost  impassable,  and  covered  with  woods 
and  rocks.  The  most  that  could  be  expected,  he  said, 
on  this  route  the  present  season,  would  be  to  gain  the 
height  of  land,  there  erect  fortifications,  and  wait  the 
return  of  .spring.  This  delay  must  be  attended  with 
ruinous  consequences  to  the  colonies,  which  had  ex- 
erted themselves  beyond  their  strength  to  drive  the 
French  from  the  Ohio  the  present  campaign. 

In  the  same  letter,  he  communicated  an  order  of 
match  en  Bra<ldock's  road,  which  would  bring  the 
army  in  sixty-four  days  before  Fort  du  Quesne,  with 
provisions  for  eignty-six  days.  He  also  wrote  to  Major 
Halket,  Aid  of  Gen.  Forbes,  to  engage  his  good  officea 
to  prevent  the  fatal  plan.  "  I  am  just  returned  from  a 
conference  held  with  Col.  Bouquet.  1  find  him  fixed — 
I  think  1  may  say,  unalterably  fixed,  to  lead  you  a  new 
way  to  the  Ohio,  through  a  road,  everv  inch  of  which 


36  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [17f>8 

is  to  be  cut  at  this  advanced  season,  when  we  huv«j 
scarcely  time  left  to  tread  the  beaten  track,  universally 
confessed  to  be  the  best  passage  through  the  mountain 

"  If  Colonel  Bouquet  succeeds  in  this  point  with  the 
General,  all  is  lost !  All  is  lost  indeed  !  Our  enterprise 
if  ruined,  and  we  shall  be  stopped  at  the  Lanrel  Hill 
this  winter — but  not  to  gather  laurels,  except  of  the 
kind  which  cover  the  mountains. — The  southern  In- 
dians will  turn  against  us,  and  these  colonies  will  be 
desolated  by  snch  an  accession  to  the  enemy's  strength. 
These  must  be  the  consequences  of  a  miscarriage,  and 
a  miscarriage  the  almost  necessary  consequence  of  an 
attempt  to  march  the  army  by  this  route." 

The  judgment  and  advice  of  Colonel  WASHINGTON 
in  this  important  measure  were  overruled,  and  to  hi 
extreme  mortification,  the  new  route  of  the  army  v.-;i 
adopted.      The  disappointment  and  gloomy  prospect 
which  he  entertained,  are   strongly  expressed   in  the' 
following    letter,    written    from    Cumberland,   to    the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Burgesses. 

"  We  are  still  encamped  here,  very  sickly 
'"/T'R'  all(^  dispirited  at  the  prospect  before  us. 
That  appearance  of  glory  which  we  once  had 
in  view,  even  that  h  >pe,  that  laudable  ambition  of 
serving  our  country,  and  meriting  its  applause,  are 
how  no  more  ;  all  is  dwindled  into  ease,  sloth,  and  fa- 
{a!  inactivity.  In  a  word,  all  is  lost,  if  the  ways  of 
men  in  power,  like  certain  ways  of  providence,  are  not 
inscrutable.  But  we,  who  view  the  actions  of  great 
men  at  a  distance,  can  only  form  conjectures  agreeably 
to  a  limited  perception  ;  and,  being  ignoraKt  of  the 
comprehensive  schemes  which  may  be  in  contempla- 
tion, might  mistake  ngrcgiously  in  judging  of  things 
from  appearances,  or  by  the  lump.  Yet  every  fool  will 
have  his  notions,  will  prattle  and  talk  away;  ami  why 
may  not  1  ?  We  seem  then,  in  my  opinion,  to  act  un- 
der the  guidance  of  an  evil  genius.  The  conduct  of 
our  leaders,  if  not  actuated  by  superiour  orders,  it 


1758  J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  37 

tempered  with  something — 1  do  not  care  to  give  a  name 
to.  Nothing  no*v  but  a  miracle  can  bring  this  cam- 
paign to  a  happy  issue." 

Mentioning  the  arguments  he  haa  brought  against 
the  new  road,  he  proceeds,  "  But  I  spoke  all  unavailing- 
ly.  Tho  road  was  immediately  begun,  and  since  then, 
from  one  to  two  thousand  men  have  constantly  wrought 
on  it.  By  the  last  accounts  I  have  received,  they  had 
cut  to  the  foot  of  Laurel  Hill,  about  thirty-five  milos, 
and  I  suppose  by  this  timu,  fifteen  hundred  men  have 
taken  post  about  ten  miles  further,  at  a  place  called 
Loyal  Hanna,  where  our  next  fort  is  to  be  constructed. 

"  We  have  certain  intelligence,  that  the  French 
strength  at  Fort  du  Quesne  did  not  exceed  eight  hun- 
dred ni'-'n,  the  13th  ultimo,  including  about  thiee  or 
four  hundred  Indians.  See  how  our  tim«  has  been 
Jtaispenj..  Behold  how  the  golden  opportunity  is  lost, 
perhaps  nnver  more  to  be  regained  !  How  is  it  to  be 
accounted  for'  Can  Geneial  Forbes  have  orders  for 
this  <  Impossible.  Will  then  our  injured  country  pasa 
by  such  -abuses  ?  I  hope  not ;  rather  let  a  full  repre- 
sentation of  the  matter  go  to  his  Majesty  ;  let  him 
know  how  grossly  his  glory  and  interests,  and  the  pub- 
lick  money  have  been  prostituted." 

Col.  Grant,  with  a  force  of  eight  hundred  men,  hav- 
ing been  detached  to  reconnoitre  the  country,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Ohio,  was  about  this  time  de- 
feated with  loss;  and  himself,  and  Major  Lewis  of 
ColonelWASitiNGTON's  regiment, were  taken  prisoners 
Three  companies  of  this  regiment  were  on  the  expo 
dition,  and  behaved  with  great  bravery.  Of  eight 
officers  belonging  to  these  companies,  on  this  service, 
.  five  were  killed,  one  wounded,  and  one  tiik^n  prisoner 
Capt.  Bullet,  who  had  charge  of  the  baggage,  defend 
ed  it  with  great  resolution,  and  did  much  to  protect 
the  defeated  troops  ;  he  fortunately  came  off  the  field 
without  a  wound.  This  spirited  and  soldierly  conduct 
the  Britons  acknowledged  to  be  highly  honourable  to 
4 


33  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  £17.5% 

the  troops  themselves,  and  to  the  Commander,  who 
trained  them  to  the  service.  General  Forbes  compli 
mented  Colonel  WASHINGTON  on  the  occasion. 

Colonel  WASHINGTON  was  at  this  time  employed  on 
the  new  road,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Raystown. 

General   Forbes   resolved   that  the  main 

175S7 '       arm}'  should  move  from  this  place  ;  and  he 
called  upon  the  commanding  officers  of  regi- 
ments to  lay  before  him  a  plan  for  its  march.     Colonel 
WASHINGTON    presented  his;  it  has  been  preserved, 
iind  is  said  to  display  the  soundness  of  his  judgment 

Through  a  read  almost  impassable,  the  army  at 
length  reached  Loyal  Hanna,  about  ten  miles  from 
the  toot  of  Laurel  Hill,  and  forty-five  from  Fort  Cum- 
berland. At  this  place  Colonel  WASHINGTON  had  pre-^ 
dieted  the  expedition  would  terminate.  In  a  Council 
of  War  it  was  actually  resolved  to  be  unadviseable  to 
proceed  further  this  Autumn.  To  have  wintered  in 
this  inhospitable  wilderness  would,  perhaps,  have  been 
impossible  ;  but  before  any  disposition  of  the  army  was 
made,  intelligence  was  brought  by  soma  prisoners,  that 
the  garrison  of  Fort  du  Quesne  had  not  been  support- 
ed from  Canada  ;  that  the  Indians  had  deserted  it  ; 
and,  that  it  was  not  in  a  situation  to  make  resistance. 
This  intelligence  induced  General  Forbes  to  change 
his  resolution,  and  lo  push  on  to  the  Ohio.  Cobnel 
WASHINGTON  was  ordered  to  the  front  to  superintend 
opening  the  road  for  the  army;  which  duty  he,  with 
extreme  fatigue,  executed.  In  slow  and  laborious 
marches,  General  Forbes  reached  du  Quesne, 

iZjjr*'  and  found  that  the  French,  on  the  evening 
preceding  his  arrival,  had  set  fire  to  this  fort, 
and  had  passed  in  their  boats  down  the  river. 

The  success  of  the  campaign  was  wholly  to  be  at- 
tributed to  the  pressure  of  the  English  on  Canada, 
which  constrained  the  French  Commander  in  chief  to 
call  in,  or  weaken  his  outposts  •,  but  for  this  circum- 
stance, the  gloomy  predictions  of  Polonel  WASHINSTO" 


1768.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  39 

would  have  been  verified,  in  the  failure  of  the  expedi- 
tion. 

The  Fort  being  repaired,  was  called  Fort  Pitt,  in 
compliment  to  the  preeminent  British  Minister,  undei 
whose  auspices  the  war  was  now  conducted. 

Colonel  WASHINGTON  furnished  two  hundred  men 
of  his  regiment  to  the  garrison,  and  soon  after  return 
ed  to  Williamsburg  to  take  his  seat  in  the  House  of 
Burgesses,  of  which,  in  his  absence  he  had  been  chosen 
a  member. 

His  services,  while  commander  of  the  Virginia 
forces,  were  appreciated  by  his  countrymen  ;  and  the 
British  officers  with  whom  he  served,  bore  honourable 
testimony  to  his  military  talents.  The  soldierlv  and 
gallant  behaviour  of  his  regiment  in  the  field,  exhibit- 
ed the  best  evidence  of  the  address  of  their  commander, 
in  training  them  to  exact  discipline,  and  exciting  in 
them  a  martial  spirit.  His  officers  expressed  the  great 
affection  and  respect,  which  they  entertained  for  his 
character,  by  an  unanimous  address,  presented  to  him 
at  the  close  of  this  campaign  ;  and  the  inhabitants  of 
the  frontiers  placed  full  confidence  in  him,  even  at  a 
time  when  he  was  unable  to  defend  them  from  the 
slaughter  and  devastation  of  the  eiMjmy. 

Colonel  WASHIXGTOS  now  saw  the  great  object  at 
tained,  to  which  for  years  he  had  directed  his  whole 
mind.  The  enemy  was  driven  from  the  Oiiio,  and  hig 
country,  in  a  great  measure,  relieved  from  the  carnage 
and  distress  of  an  Indian  war.  His  health  was  impair- 
ed by  the  arduous  services  of  the  campaign  ;  and  iiii 
private  concerns  demanded  his  attention.  He  there- 
fore resigned  his  military  commission,  and  retired  lJ 
the  tranaail  scenes  of  domestick  lifr 


io  LIFE  or  WASHINGTON.       [1759. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CVikmel  Washington's  Marriage— H.'s  management  of  the  Estate  of 
Mouiit  Vernon — Appointed  a  Juilg.>  of  (lie  County  Court,  and  a 
M'.mlier  of  the  Virginia  lx>f  Haium — Chosen  a  Member  of  the 
first  Congress — Appointed  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  American 
Force? — Arrives  at  Camp — Arranges  the  Army — Oefieieicy  of 
Arms  and  Ammunition — Colonel  Arnold  detached  to  ftitfiuecli — 
Success  of  American  Cruisers — Evrrs  u(  temporary  enlistment*— 
An  attack  on  the  Enemy's  Posts  meditated — Possession  taken  ol 
tlic  Heights  of  Dorchester — Boston  evacuated. 

1759.  SOON  after  the  resignation  of  his  military 
commission,  Colonel  WASHINGTON  married  Mrs.  Mar- 
tha Custis,  a  young  and  beautiful  widow,  who  possessed 
an  ample  fortune,  and  who. was  endowed  with  those 
amiable  and  pleasing  accomplishments  of  mind  and 
manners,  which  give  the  best  security  for  happiness  in 
the  married  state.  With  her  he  lived  in  all  the  con- 
fidence, endearment,  and  felicity  which  this  relation 
can  produce. 

*n  his  estate  of  Mount  Vernon,  he  extensively  en- 
gt  ?d  in  the  business  of  agriculture,  and  was  greatly 
dis  lijuished  for  the  judgment  he  displayed  in  the  iin- 
nro  -merit  of  his  lands.  Every  branch  of  business 
was  .nnducted  upo  .  system,  exact  method  and  econo- 
my were  observed  throughout  every  department  of  his 
household,  the  accounts  of  his  overseers  he  weekly 
inspected,  the  divisions  of  his  farm  were  numbered, 
the  expense  of  cultivation,  and  the  produce  of  each  lot 
wore  regularly  registered  ;  and,  at  one  view  he  could 
di  t  ermine  the  profit  or  loss  of  any  crop,  and  ascertain 
I  lie  respective  advantages  of  particular  modes  of  hus- 
bandry. He  became  one  of  the  greatest  landholders 
in  North  America.  Besides  othei  great  and  valuable 
tracts,  his  Mount  Vernon  estate  consisted  of  nine  thou- 
sand acres,  all  under  his  own  management.  *On  which, 
in  ore  year,  he  raised  seven  thousand  bushels  of  whsat. 


1759—74.]   LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  41 

and  ten  thousand  of  Indian  corn.  His  domestick  and 
farming  establishments  were  composed  of  nearly  a 
thousand  persons  ;  and  the  woollen  and  linen  cloth 
necessary  -for  their  use,  was  chiefly  manufactured  on 
the  estate.* 

Order  and  industry  were  carried  into  ail  hia  con- 
cerns. The  authority  he  exercised  over  his  slaves  was 
blended  with  great  tenderness  and  humanity,  and  their 
affection  and  gratitude  ensured  a  prompt  and  cheerful 
obedience  to  his  commands.  Mount  Vernon  was  evet 
the  seat  of  hospitality,  and  here  its  rights  were  liberal 
ly  exercised.  Colonel  WASHINGTON,  although  exacf 
in  requiring  the  punctual  fulfilment  of  contracts  and 
engagements,  yet  was  diffusive  in  offices  of  humanity, 
and  deeds  of  charity  to  those  of  his  vicinity  who  need- 
ed his  assistance. 

From  the  close  of  the  war  on  the  frontiers  of  Vir 
ginia,  to  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary 
contest,  Colonel  WASHINGTON  acted  as  a  Judge  of  a 
County  Court,  and  represented  his  district  in  the 
House  of  Burgesses  of  his  Province.  Although  never 
distinguished  as  a  popular  speaker,  yet  the  sound- 
ness of  his  judgment,  the- wisdom  of  his  counsels, 
and  the  uniform  propriety  of  his  behaviour,  secured 
him  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  who  were  ac- 
quainted with  his  character. 

While  a  Legislator  of  Virginia,  he  took  an  active 
part  in  opposition  to  the  principle  assumed  by  the 
British  Parliament,  to  tax  the  American  colonies. 
When  it  became  expedient  to  train  the  militia  for  the 
defence  of  those  rights,  which  the  cquntry  determined 
never  to  sacrifice,  the  independent  companies  in  the 
Northern  part  of  Virginia  chose  him  their  Commander. 

He  was  elected  a  member  of  the  first  Congress, 
which  met  in  Philadelphia  in  1774  ;  in  which  bouy  he 
had  a  distinguished  agency  in  the  arrangement  of  the 

*  See  "  legacies  of  WASHINO  ON  "  prinied  at  Trentm 
InlSOO. 


42  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177V 

miliUiry  resources  of  the  United  Provinces.  He  wa» 
tho  active  member  of  all  Committees,  to  which  busi- 
ness of  this  nature  was  entrusted. 

Ai.  ilie  commencement  of  liostilities,  Con 

1775  '  gress  deemed  it  necessary  to  appoint  a  Com- 
mander in  Chief  <>t'  the  American  forces 
The  eminent  character  of  Colonel  WASHINGTON  point- 
id  him  out 'as  the  best  qualified  to  unite  the  confidence 
of  the  publick,  and  successfully  to  conduct  the  ardu- 
ous conflicts  of  the  \var.  Congress  unanimously  elect 
ed  him  "  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the 
United  Colonies,  and  of  all  the  forces  now  raised,  and 
to  be  raised  by  them."  When  the  President  of  Con- 
gress communicated  his  election,  he  thus  addressed  him. 

"  Mr.  President,  although  1  am  truly  sensible  of  the 
high  honour  done  me  in  this  appointment,  yet  I  feel 
great  distress  from  a  consciousness  that  my  abilities 
and  military  experience  may  not  be  equal  to  the  ex- 
tensive trust.  However,  as  the  Congress  desire  it,  I 
will  enter  upon  the  momentous  duty,  and  exert  every 
power  1  possess  in  their  service,  and  fcr  the  support  of 
the  glorious  cause.  1  beg  they  will  accept  my  most 
cordial  thanks  for  this  distinguished  testimony  of  their 
approbation. 

"  But  lest  some  unlucky  event  should  happen,  uu 
favourable  to  my  reputation,  I  beg  it  may  be  rcmem 
bered  by  every  gentleman  in  the  room,  that  1  this  day 
declare,  with  the  utmost  sincerity,  I  do  not  think  my- 
self equal  to  the  command  I  am  honoured  with.  1  beg 
leave,  Sir,  to  assure  the  Congress,  that,  as  no  pecunia- 
ry consideration  could  have  tempted  me  to  accept  this 
arduous  employment,  at  the  expense  of  my  domestick 
e»se  and  happiness,  I  do  not  wish  to  make  any  profit 
fiom  it.  1  will  keep  an  exact  account  of  my  expenses. 
These,  I  doubt  not,  they  will  discharge,  and  that  is  all 
1  desire." 

Congress,  when  his  commission  vas «,  executed. 
*i:animously  and  solemnly  resolved,  to  support  him 


1775]  L1FK  OF  WASHINGTON.  43 

with  their  lives  and  fortunes,  as  the  general  of  tlieii 
army,  in  defence  of  the  country.  General  WASHING- 
TON instantly  prepared  to  enter  upon  the  eventful  du- 
ties of  his  command.  The  difficulties  which  he  was 
to  encounter,  will  clearly  appear  from  a  slight  view  of 
the  state  of  the  country, and  of  the  condition  of  the  army. 

As  a  means  to  repel  the  encroachments  of  .the  Bri- 
tish Parliament,  the  American  merchants  had  generally 
entered  into  resolutions,  not  to  import  articles  of  mer- 
chandise from  Great  Britain  ;  and  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  war,  the  country  was,  in  a  great  degree, 
destitute  of  ammunition,  and  of  every  material  necessa 
ry  to  clothe  an  army,  ind  furnish  the  men  with  tents. 
There  were  no  considerable  magazines  of  provisions, 
and  few  tools  suitable  for  the  work  of  fortification 
The  men  who  composed  the  army  were  raised  by  dif 
ferent  States,  on  short  enlistments,  and  on  different 
establishments  ;  and  they  carried  into  the  camp,  the 
feelings  and  habits  formed  by  their  respective  pursuits 
in  private  life.  They  were  animated  by  the  L>ve  of 
liberty,  and  possessed  the  resolution  and  Dravery  of 
hardy  yeomanry  ;  but  they  could  not  easily  be  brought 
to  submit  to  the  rigid  rules  of  military  subordination 
and  discipline.  The  authority  of  Congress  and  of  dif- 
ferent Colonies  was  blended  in  all  the  arrangements  of 
the  army.  These  causes  occasioned  numerous  and  com- 
plicated embarrassments  to  the  Commander  in  Chief. 

The  appointment  of  General  WASHINGTON  was  uni- 
rcrsally  approved.  On  his  journey  to  head  quarters, 
he  met  \\  'lh  the  most  respectful  Jittention,  and  receiv- 
ed the  fullest  assurances  of  assistance  and  support, 
He  was  escorted  by  companies  of  volunteers  ;  and,  at 
Springfield,  a  hundred  miles  from  Boston,  a  Commit- 
tee of  the  Congress  of  Massachusetts  met,  and  attend- 
ed him  to  Cambridge. 

On  his  arrival  that  body  presented  him  an 

1775  *"'     ac^ress>  m  which  they  expressed  their  entire 

satisfaction  with  his  appointment,  and  pledged 


14  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177l> 

the  most  effectual  co-operation  with  his  measures,  ir 
their  power.  His  answer  was  well  calculated  to  in 
crease  I  he  attachment  to  his  person,  and  the  confidence 
in  his  talents,  which  tho  publick  already  entertained. 

"  Gentlemen,  your  kind  congratulations  on  my  ap- 
pointment and  arrival,  demand  my  warmest  acknow 
lodgments,  and  will  ever  be  retained  in  grateful  re- 
membrance. In  exchanging  the  enjoyment  of  domes- 
tick  life,  for  the  duties  of  my  present  honourable,  but 
arduous  situation,  I  only  emulate  the  virtue  and  pub- 
lick  spirit  of  the  whole  Province  of  Massachusetts, 
which,  with  a  firmness  and  patriotism  without  an  ex- 
ample, has  sacrificed  all  the  comforts  of  social  and  po- 
litical life,  in  support  of  the  rights  of  mankind,  and  the 
welfare  of  our  common  country.  My  highest  ambition 
is  to  be  the  happy  instrument  of  vindicating  these 
rights,  and  to  see  this  devoted  Province  again  restored 
to  peace,  liberty,  and  safety." 

The  British  army,  at  this  time,  commanded  by  Gene- 
ral Ga^e,  was  strongly  posted  in  three  divisions ;  on 
Bunker's  Hill,  a  mile  from  the  ferry  of  Charles's  River, 
on  Cop's  I  fill  in  Boston,  and  on  Roxbury  neck.  These 
fortified  posts  secured  the  isthmus  of  Boston,  and  that 
of  Charlestown,  the  only  avenues  by  land  into  those 
towns.  Floating  batteries  and  armed  ships,  stationed 
in  the  waters  which  surround  Boston,  supported  the 
positions  of  the  British,  and  kept  open  the  communica 
tion  between  thorn. 

The  American  army  was  posted  at  Roxbnry,  Cam 
bridge,  and  on  Winter  and  Prospect  Hills,  ir  front  of 
Bunker's  Hill.  These  positions  formed  a  crescent  of 
tvvolve  miles  in  extent  After  reconnoitring  the  situa- 
tion of  the  enemy,  and  examining  the  state  of  his  own 
army,  the  General  attempted  a  better  organization  of 
the  troops.  '  He  formed  them  into  three  divisions  ;  the 
division  at  Roxbury  formed  the  right  wing  of  the 
army,  and  was  commanded  by  General  Ward;  th>} 
division  on  Prospect  and  Winter  Hills  composed  the 


1775.]  L17E  OF  WASHINGTON.  4J. 

teft  wing. and  was  commanded  by  General  Leo  ;  and 
the  troops  at  Cambridge  formed  the  centra,  and  were 
commanded  by  General  WASHI.NGTO'N  in  person.  The 
fortes  were  deemed  incompetent  to  defend  this  extend- 
ed ramp,  but  the  situation  of  the  country  did  not  fa 
vour  a  more  compact'  arrangement ;  nor  could  the 
neighbouring  cuuuiry  be  otherwise  defended  from  the 
depredations  of  the  enemy. 

These  positions  were  secured  by  lines  and  forts  ; 
and  a  few  companies  of  men  were  posted  in  the  towns 
around  Boston  Bay,  most  exposed  to  annoyance  by 
British  armed  vessels. 

General  WASHINGTON  found  himself  embarrassed  by 
the  total  want  of  system  in  every  department  of  the 
army.  In  the  execution  of  the  duties  of  his  com- 
mission, it  became  necessary  to  open  a  correspond 
cnce,  not  only  with  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
with  most  of  the  Governments  of  the  Colonies,  but 
also  with  the  Committees  of  all  those  towns  which 
furnished  supplies  for  the  army.  In  a  letter  to  Con- 
gress on  this  subject,  he  observes, 

"I  should  be  extremely  deficient  of  gratitude,  as 
well  as  justice,  if  I  did  not  take  the  first  opportunity 
to  acknowledge  the  readiness  and  attention  which  the 
Congress,  and  the  different  Committees  have  shown, 
to  make  every  thing  as  convenient  and  agreeable  aa 
possible  ;  but  there  is  a  vital  and  inherent  principle  of 
delay,  incompatible  with  military  service,  in  transact- 
ing business  thi  ough  such  various  and  different  chan- 
nels. I  esteem  ii  my  duty,  therefore,  to  represent  the 
[Convenience  that  must  unavoidably  ensue  from  a  do- 
pondcnee  on  a  number  of  persons  for  supplies,  and 
Bubmit  it  to  the  consideration  of  Congress,  whether  the 
publick  service  will  not  be  the  best  promoted  by  ap- 
pointing a  Commissary  General  for  the  purpose." 

An  inquiry  into  the  state  of  the  magazine  of  powdei 
Was  among  the  first  cares  of  General  WASHINGTON 
and  three  hundred  and  t^ree  barrels  in  store  was  the 


46  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1775 

return  mack  to  him.  Soon  after  he  discovered,  that 
this  return  embraced  the  whole  quantity  brought  into 
camp,  without  deducting  what  had  been  expended  ; 
and  that  there  remained  on  hand  only  sufficient  ta 
furnish  the  army  with  nine  cartridges  a  man.  While 
the  greatest  caution  was  used  to  keep  this  alarming 
fact  a  secret,  the  utmost  exertions  were  employed  to 
obtain  a  supply  of  this  article  of  absolute  necessity  in 
war.  Application  was  made  to  all  the  Colonies,  and 
measures  were  adopted,  to  import  powder  into  the 
country.  The  immediate  danger  was  soon  removed 
by  an  arrival  of  a  small  quantity  sent  from  Elizabeth- 
town,  in  New-Jersey.  Under  the  perplexities  which 
arose  from  the  defect  of  arms,  the  want  of  clothing 
and  magazines,  from  the  want  of  engineers,  and  from 
the  confused  state  of  the  staff  department,  the  mind  of 
General  WASHINGTON  was,  in  some  measure,  cheered 
by  a  view  of  the  men  who  composed  his  troops.  "  It 
requires,"  says  he,  in  a  letter  to  '.he  President  of  Con- 
gress, "  no  military  skill  to  judge  of  the  difficulty  of 
introducing  proper  discipline  and  subordination  into  an 
army,  while  we  have  the  enemy  in  view,  and  are  daily 
in  expectation  of  an  attack  ;  but  it  is  of  so  much  im- 
portance, that  every  effort  will  be  made  that  time  and 
circumstances  will  admit.  In  the  mean  time,  I  have 
a  sincere  pleasure  in  observing  that  there  are  materials 
for  a  good  army  ;  a  great  number  of  able  bodied  men, 
active,  zealous  in  the  cause,  and  of  unquestionable 
courage."  The  details  of  the  departments  of  the  Pay- 
master, Quartefmastcr,  and  Commibsary,  fell  upon 
General  WASHINGTON,  and  he  urged  Congress  to 
fill  them.  Being  himself  authorised  to  make  the  ap- 
pointments, he  called  to  his  assistance  the  general 
atari,  which  is  necessary  for  the  regular  support  and 
expeditious  movements  of  an  army  ;  and  assiduously 
prosecuted  plans  to  organize  and  discipline  his  troops. 
General  Gage  had,  at  his  disposal,  a  force  consist 
ing  of  eight  thousand  men,  and,  by  the  aid  of  hit 


1775.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  47 

»hipping,  he  was  enabled  to  direct  it  to  any  point  ol 
the  extended  lines  of  the  Ame:  icans,  whose  army  did 
not  amount  to  more  than  fourteen  thousand  and  five 
hundred  men.  General  WASHINGTON  was  fully  ap- 
prized of  his  danger,  and  early  summoned  the  Gene- 
ra) officers  to  deliberate  upon  the  expediency  of  at- ' 
tempting  to  support  their  present  position,  or  of  taking 
one  in  their  rear  more  compact.  The  council  with 
unanimity  advised  to  remain  in  their  present  lines. 
The  reasons  in  support  of  this  opinion  were,  the  imme- 
diate effect  which  a  retrogra-de  movement  would  have 
to  animate  the  British,  and  to  depress  the  American 
troops ;  the  unfavourable  impression  that  would  be 
made  upon  thj  pnhlick  mind  ;  the  devastation  of  the 
fertile  country,  that  must  be  opened  to  the  enemy,  and 
the  difficulty  of  finding  a  strong  position  in  the  rear. 
As  a  precautionary  measure,  it  v;as  determined  that 
they  would  not  take  possession  of  the  heights  of  Dor- 
chester, nor  oppose*  the  attempt  of  General  Gage  to 
gain  them.  In  case  of  an  attack  and  defeat,,  the 
heights  in  Cambridge,*  and  the  rear  of  the  lines  in 
Roxbury,  were  appointed  as  places  of  rendezvous. 
The  enemy  was  watched  with  vigilant  attention  ;  and 
any  movements  which  threatened  a  distant  invasion, 
were  communicated  to  Congress,  and  to  the  Execu- 
tives of  the  Provinces  particularly  exposed. 

The  enemy  had  been  taught  respect  for  the  Ameri- 
can army  by  the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill,  and  their 
plans,  from  that  period  through  the  year,  were  direct- 
ed to  eelf  defence.  With  little  interruption,  both  ar- 
mies were  employed  in  strengthening  their  respective 
lines  and  p^sts.  The  few  skirmishes  which  took  placo 
between  small  parties  jeither  in  their  nature  nor  their 
consequences  merit  notice. 

The  mere  defence  of  lines  did  not  satisfy  the  enter- 
prizing  and  patriotick  mind  of  General  WASHI^TOK 

*  Judge  Marshall  denominates  these  heights,  •'  Welch 
Mountains."  This  name  is  not  known  in  their  Vicinity. 


<8  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  JHTb 

With  extiome  anxiety  he  noticed  the  expense  of  the 
campaign,  without  possessing  the  means  of  diminish- 
ing it 

He  Knew  that  his  conntry  was  destitute  of  revenue, 
and  apprehended  that  her  resources  must  soon  be  ex- 
hausted. In  a  few  months  the  army  of  course  would 
be  disbanded,  and  the  enlistment  of  another  he  con- 
ceived to  be  extremely  difficult,  if  practicable  ;  power- 
ful reinforcements  to  the  enemy  were,  in  the  Spring, 
to  be  expected  from  England  ;  and  he  thought  it 
di  ubtful,  whether  proportionate  strength  could  be  col- 
lected in  the  Colonies  to  meet  them  in  the  field.  He 
conceived  it,  therefore,  of  vast  importance  to  the 
American  cause  to  subdue  the  army  in  Boston,  before 
it  could  be  reinforced.  An  event  of  this  magnitude 
wo.uld  unite  and  animate  the  Colonies,  and  convince 
Great  Britain,  that  America  was  determined  in  her 
opposition  to  the  measures  of  Parliament.  Under 
these  impressions  he  often  reconnoitred  the  enemy,  and 
collected  information  of  their  numbers  and  strength 
from  every  possible  source.  The  attempt  to  dislodge 
the  British  he  well  knew  would  be  attended  with  ex- 
treme hazard ,,  but  it  was  his  opinion,  that  the  proba- 
bility cf  ultimate  success,  and  the  great  advantages  ac- 
cruing from  it,  warranted  the  effort.  In  a  letter  to  the 
Genera!  Officers,  he  stated  the  questions,  to  which  he 
desir3d  them  to  direct  their  close  attention  ;  and  after 
sufficient  time  had  been  given  for  deliberation,  he 
called  them  into  council  to  determine,  whether  an 
attack  on  Boston  should  be  made.  The  result  was 
an  unanimous  opinion,  "  that  for  the  present,  at  least, 
the  attempt  ought  not  to  be  made."  To  ;ontinue  tho 
blockade,  and  to  strengthen  their  lines,  was  all  that 
remained  in  their  power. 

Although  the  Commander  in  Chief  acquiesced  in 
the  decision  of  the  Council,  yet  it  was  evident,  from 
his  letter  to  Congress,  that  he  himself  felt  inclined  t« 
risk  the  attack.  Probably  this  inclination  was  in 


75.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  4* 

creased  by   the  wishes    of  Congress,  previously  jom- 
mumcalcd  to  him. 

The  scarcity  oftresh  provisions  in  Boston  induced  the 
enemy  to  send  small  parties  to  collect  the  stock  along 
the  shores  of  the  continent,  within  protecting  distanca 
of  their  armed  "vessels.  This  imposed  a  heavy  t»BT 
den  upon  the  towns  on  the  seaboard,  in  the  defence  nf 
their  property ;  and  tne  Governours  o<"  several  of 
the  Colonies  were  frequent  and  importunate  in  their 
request  to  General  WASHINGTON  to  detach  forces  from 
his  army  for  their  protection.  He  was  embarrassed' 
by  repeated  requisitions  of  this  nature.  To  make  the 
required  detachments,  would  expose  the  main  army  to 
inevitable  destruction  ;  and  to  deny  the  requests,  would 
occasion  dissatisfactions,  which  endangered  a  cause 
that  could  be  supported  only  by  publick  opinion.  To 
relieve  him  from  this  embarrassment,  Congress  passed 
a  resolution,  "  That  tlu  army  before  Boston  was  de- 
signed only  to  oppose  the  eiipmy  in  that  place,  and 
ought  not  to  be  weakened  by  detachments  for  the  av 
curity  of  other  parts  of  the  country." 

General  WASHING-TOM  early  guve  an  example  of  the 
humane  manner  in  which  lie  determined  to  conduct 
the  war.  By  the  representations  of  individuals  from 
Nova  Scotia,  Congress  was  led  to  suppose  tiiat  a  small 
force  f-om  the  American  army,  aided  by  those  inhabit- 
ants of  that  Province  who  were  in  the  American  in- 
terest, might  surprise  a  British  garrison  at  Fort  Cum- 
berland, at  the  head  of  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  and  possess 
themselves  of  valuable  military  stores,  if  not  retain 
the  country  ;  the  measure  was,  therefore,  recommend- 
ed by  that  body  to  their  General.  OM  examination  he 
found  that  tho  stores  wore  of  no  magnitude,  and  that 
the  CTpedition  would  expose  the  friends  of  America  in 
that  Province  to  inevitable  ruin,  from  the  p  r>secution« 
of  their  own  Government,  and  he  discountenanced  the 
scheme.  The  attempt  was,  however,  eventually  mado 
by  a  few  indiscreet  individuals,  but  it  failed,  and  in 
VOL.  I.  5 


50  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [177b 

voh'eu  the  inhabitants  of  Nova  Scotii,  Vvho  engaged 
in  it,  in  the  predicted  ruin. 

Some  of  the  American  cruisers,  actinor  without  pub- 
lick  orders,  brought  three  of  the  .principal  inhabitants 
of  the  Island  of  St.  John  into  General  WASHINGTON'S 
camp ;  he  treated  them  with  the  greatest  tenderness. 
and  permitted  them  immediately  to  return  to  their 
distressed  families. 

In  the  course  of  the  Autumn,  gradual  approaches 
were  made  towards  the  British  posts.  The  army  be- 
ing strengthened  by  the  arrival  of  Morgan's  Riflemen 
from  Virginia,  and  a  number,  of  regiments  from  Con- 
necticut and  Ilhode-Island,  General  WASHINGTON  de- 
tached Colonel  Arnold,  with  a  thousand  men, 

S  F  PT 

1775'  by  the  rivers  Kennebeck  and  St.  Francis,  to 
co-operate  with  General  Montgomery  in  Cana- 
da ;  and,  if  possible,  to  surprise  Quebeck,  the  capital 
of  that  Province.  Arnold,  and  about  six  hundred  of 
his  men,  actuated  by  unconquerable  resolution,  with 
inconceivable  fatigue  reached  Quebeck.  The  situa- 
tion of  the  garrison  corresponded  with  the  presump- 
tions On  which  the  expedition  was  founded  ;  but  a 
number  of  circumstances,  not  open  to  human  foresight, 
nor  controllable  by  human  prudence,  rendered  it  un- 
successful. 

Through  the  season,  the  highest  endeavours  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  were  exerted  to  procure  arms 
and  ammunition  for  his  troops,  and  partial  success  at 
tended  the  measures  adopted  in  every  part  of  the 
union  to  accomplish  this  important  purpose.  A  suc- 
cessful voyage  was  also  made  to  Africa,  and  every 
pound  of  gunpowder  for  sale  in  the  Biitish  factories 
on  that  coast  was  obtained  in  exchange  for  New- 
England  rum.  Capt.  Manly,  in  the  privateer  Lee, 
captured  j  British  ordnance  ship,  laden  with  military 
stores,  so  completely  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the 
American  army,  that  had  Congress  made  out  an  in- 
voice, a  better  assortment  could  not  have  been  pro« 


1775.]          LIFE  01'  WASHINGTON.  5" 

cured.  Considsrations  respecting  the  re-enlistment 
of  the  army  lay  witli  immense  weight  on  the  mind  ol 
General  WASHINGTON,  and  he  repeatedly  invited  the 
attention  of  Congress  to  this  subject.  In  September, 
Congress  appointed  a  Committee  of  their  own  bcuy 
to  repair  to  Head  Quarters,  to  consult  with  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  and  the  Executives  of  the  New-Eng- 
land Provinces,  "  on  the  most  effectual  method  of  con- 
tinuing, supporting,  and  regulating  a  Continental  ar 
my."  The  result  of  their  deliberation  was,  that  the 
new  army  should  consist  of  twenty  thousand  three 
hundred  and  seventy-two  men  ;  but  unhappily,  the 
men  were  to  be  enlisted  only  for  one  year.  The  evils 
resulting  from  short  enlistments  were  severely  felt  at 
the  close  of  the  next  campaign,  even  to  the  utmost 
hazard  of  the  independence  of  the  country. 

Various  causes  operated  to  lead  Congress  to  the  al- 
most fatal  plan  of  temporary  military  establishments. 
Among  the  most  important  of  these,  was  a  prospect  of 
accommodation  with  the  parent  state.  Want  of  ex- 
perience in  the  management  of  war  upon  an  extensive 
scale  was  another.  The  revolutionary  conflict  placed 
the  people  of  America  in  a  situation  in  which  all  the 
energies  of  the  human  mind  are  brought  into  action, 
and  man  makes  his  noblest  efforts  ;  the  occasion  called 
upon  the  publick  theatre  statesmen  and  warriours,  w,ho, 
by  the  wise  and  honourable  execution  of  the  complicat 
ed  duties  of  their  new  characters,  surprised  the  world  ; 
still  from  them  errours  of  inexperience  were  to  be  ex- 
pected. The  fear  of  accumulating  expense,  which  the 
resources  of  the  country  could  not  discharge,  had  a 
leading  influence  to  dete"  the  American  Government 
from  the  adoption  of  permanent  military  establish- 
ments ;  although  the  recommendations  of  Congress, 
and  the  regulations  of  State  Conventions  had,  in  the 
day  of  enthusiasm,  the  force  of  law,  yet  the  ruling 
power  thought  it  inexpedient  to  attempt  to  raise  large 
Bums  by  direct  taxes,  at  a  time  wher.  the  commerce  o/ 


52  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1775 

the  country  was  annihilated,  and  thfl  cultivators  of 
the  ground  were  subjected  to  heavy  services  in  tba 
field  of  war.  The  only  recourse  was  to  a  paper  me 
dium,  without  funds  for  its  redemption,  or  lor  the  sup- 
port of  its  credit,  and  therefore  of  necessity  subject  to 
depreciation,  and,  in  its  nature,  capable  of  only  a  tem- 
porary currency  ;  Congress,  therefore,  was  justly 
afraid  of  the  expense  of  a  permanent  army.  Jea- 
lousy toward  a  standing  army  had  a  powerful  in- 
fluence upon  the  military  arrangements  of  Ameri- 
ca ;  this  jealous  spirit  early  insinuated  itself  into 
the  Legislative  bodies  of  the  Colonies,  and  was  dis- 
played in  many  of  their  measures.  It  appears  in 
the  address  presented  by  the  Provincial  Assembly  of 
New-York  to  General  WASHINGTON,  while  on  his 
journey  to  the  American  camp.  "  We  have  the  fullest 
assurance,  say  they,  that  whenever  this  important 
contest  shall  be  decided,  by  that  fondest  wish  of  each 
American  soul,  an  accommodation  with  our  Mother 
Country,  you  will  cheerfully  resign  the  important  de- 
posite  committed  into  your  hands,  and  reassume  the 
character  of  our  worthiest  citizen."  Congress,  as  a 
body,  unquestionably  felt  this  jealousy,  and  was  afraid 
to  trust  a  standing  army  with  tlie  power  necessary  to 
conduct  the  svar,  lest,  at  its  successful  termination,  this 
army  should  become  the  master  of  the  country  for 
whose  liberties  it  had  fought.  The  plan  of  temporary 
enlistments  was  adopted  by  Congress,  in  the  confident 
persuasion,  that  draughts  on  everv  occasion  might  be 
made  from  the  militia,  to  oppose  any  force  Britain 
could  bring  into  the  field  ;  and  that  the  native  pa- 
triotism and  bravery  of  the  Americans  would  prove 
superiour  to  the  mechanics  1  movements  of  disciplined 
troops 

There  being  no  magazines  of  arms  in  the  country, 
the  soldiers  of  the  first  campaign  were  of  necessity 
permitted  to  bring  their  own  muskets  into  service, 
although  their  different  length  and  size  occasioned 


ITS.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  53 

much  inconvenience.  By  the  regulation  of  Congress 
for  the  new  enlistment,  the  soldiers,  who  chose  not  to 
serve  another  campaign,  were  not  permitted  to  carry 
home  their  arms  ;  but  they  were  to  receive  payment 
for  them  by  appraisement.  Every  soldier  who  enlist- 
ed was  to  find  a  gun,  or  pay  a  dollar  to  the  Govern- 
ment for  the  use  of  one  during  the  campaign.  Every 
soldier,  who  found  himself  a  blanket  was  to. receive 
two  dollars.  As  it  was  impracticable  to  clothe  the 
army  in  uniforms,  clothes  of  different  colours  were 
provided,  the  price  of  which  was  to  be  deducted  from 
llic  wages  of  the  men. 

As  soon  as  the  plan  of  the  new  army  was  settled, 
General  WASHINGTON  adopted  measures  to  carry  it 
into  execution.  In  general  orders  he  directec,  that 
all  officers,  who  intended  to  decline  the  service  of 
their  country  at  the  expiration  of  their  present  engage- 
ments, should  in  writing  make  known  their  inten- 
tion to  their  respective  Colonels  ;  which  was  to  be 
communicated  to  the  General  Officers  commanding 
Brigades.  "  Those  brave  men,  and  true  patriots,  who 
resolved  to  continue  to  serve  and  defend  their  bre- 
thren, privileges,  and  property,"  were  called  upon  in 
the  same  manner  to  make  known  their  intentions,  and 
to  consider  themselves  as  engaged  to  the  last  of  De- 
cember, 177G,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  Congress. 

The  period  of  patri'itiek  enthusiasm  hr.d,  in  some 
measure,  passed  away  ;  numbers  of  officers  consented 
conditionally  to  remain  in  the  army,  and  many  made 
no  communication  on  the  subject.  Immediate  deci- 
sion was  necessary;  pnd,  in  new  orders,  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  solemnly  called  upon  them 
OCT.  30.  for  a  direct  and  unconditional  answer  to  his 
inquiry.  "  The  times,"  he  observed,  "  and 
the  importance  of  the  great  'cause  we  are  engaged  in, 
alia  A-  no  room  for  hesitation  and  delay.  When  life, 
liberty,  and  property  are  at  stake  ;  when  our  country 
NS  in  danger  of  being  a  melancaoly  acene  of  bloodshed 


64  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1775 

and  desolation  ;  when  our  towns  are  laid  in  ashes  ;  in- 
nocent women  and  children  driven  from  their  peaceful 
habitations,  exposed  to  the  rigours  of  an  inclement 
season,  to  depend,  perhaps,  on  the  hand  of  charity  for 
support ;  when  calamities  like  these  are  staring  us 
in  the  face,  and  a  brutal  e  lemy  are  threatening  us. 
and  ev<  ry  thing  we  hold  dear,  with  destruction  from 
foreign  troops  ;  it  little  becomes  the  character  of  a  sol 
dier  to  shrink  from  danger,  and  condition  for  new 
terms.  It  is  the  General's  intention  to  indulge  both 
officers  ana  soldiers,  who  compose  the  new  army,  with 
furloughs  for  a  reasonable  time  ;  but  this  must  be  done 
in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  injure  the  service,  or 
weaken  the  army  too  much  at  once." 

The  troops  were  assured  that  clothes,  on  reasonable 
terms,  were  provided  "  for  those  brave  soldiers,  who 
intended  to  continue  in  l\ia.  army  another  year."  With 
great  difficulty  the  arrangement  of  officers  was  com- 
pleted, and  recruiting  orders  were  imme- 
Nov.  12.  diaiely  issued.  Recruiting  officers  were  di- 
rected to  "  be  careful  not  to  enlist  any  per- 
son suspected  of  being  unfriendly  to  the  liberties  r>f 
America,  or  any  abandoned  vagabond,  io  whom  all 
causes  and  countries  are  equal,  and  alike  indif.erent. 
The  rights  of  mankind  and  the  freedom  of  America 
would  have  numbers  sufficient  to  support  them,  with- 
out sesorting  to  such  wretched  assistance.  Let  those, 
who  wish  to  put  shackles  upon  freemen,  fill  their  ranks 
with,  and  place  their  confidence  in,  such  miscreants." 
To  aid  the  cause,  popular  songs  were  composed  and 
circulated  through  the  camp,  calculated  to  inspire 
the  soldiery  with  the  love  of  country,  and  to  induce 
them  to  engage  anow  in  the  publick  service.  But 
unfortunately,  the  army  at  this  time  was  badly  sup- 
plied with  clothing,  provisions,  and  fuel,  and  the  conse- 
quent sufferings  of  the  soldiers,  operating  upon  Uieii 
strong  desire  to  visit  their  homes,  pre-venttd  their  en- 
listment in  the  expected  numbers.  On  the  last  dav  ol 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  55 

December,  when  the  first  term  of  service  expired,  only 
nine  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty  men  had  enlisted 
for  the  new  army,  and  many  of  these  were  of  necessity 
permitted  to  be  absent  on  furlough.  It  was  found  im- 
possible to  retain  the  old  troops  a  single  day  after  their 
times  expired.  General  WASHINGTON  called  upon  the 
Governments  of  the  neighbouring  Provinces  for  do 
tachments  of  militia  to  man  his  lines,  and  he  was  high 
ly  gratified  by  the  prompt  compliance  with  his  demand 
In  a  letter  to  Congress  he  writes,  "  The  militia  that 
are  come  in,  both  from  this  Province  and  New-Hamp- 
shire, are  very  fine  looking  men,  and  go  through  their 
duty  with  great  alacrity.  The  despatch  made,  both 
by  the  people  in  marching,  and  by  the  Legislative 
powers  in  complying  with  my  requisition,  has  given 
me  infinite  satisfaction." 

In  the  space  of  time,  between  that  of  disbanding  the 
old  army,  and  of  an  effective  force  from  the  new  re- 
cruits, the  lines  were  often  in  a  defenceless  state  ;  the 
enemy  must  have  known  the  fact ;  and  no  adequate 
reason-  can  be  assigned,  why  an  attack  was  not  made. 
" It  is  not,"  says  General  WASHINGTON,  in 
A£j,  '  his  communications  to  Congress,  "  in  the 
pages  of  history  to  famish  a  case  like  ours. 
To  maintain  a  post,  within  musket  shot  of  the  enemy, 
for  six  months  together,  vithout  ammunition,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  to  disband  one  army  and  recruit  another, 
within  that  distance  of  twenty  odd  British  regiments, 
Is  more,  probably,  than  ever  was  attempted.  But  if 
we  succeed  as  well  in  the  last,  as  we  have  heretofore 
in  the  first,  I  shall  think  it  the  most  fortunate  event 
of  my  whole  life."  „ 

To  defend  the  American  linos  w;th  an  incompetent 
number  of  troops,  with  defective  arms,  and  without  an 
adequate  supply  of  ammunition  ;  to  disband  one  army 
and  recruit  another  in  tl-e  face  of  eight  thousand  Bri- 
tish soldiers,  v;  ill  be  v'ewod  as  *  hazardous  measure, 
ind  will  be  supposed,  with  lha  organization  and  disci- 


*6  LIFE  OK  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

/•line  of  tire  men,  to  have  employed  every  active  power 
of  the  General  ;  yet  this  did  not  satisfy  liis  mind.  He 
knew,  that  Congress,  with  anxious  solicitude  contem- 
'  plated  mom  decisive  measures,  and  that  the  cowitry 
looked  for  events  of  greater  niaj>'".itude.  The  publick 
was  ignorant  of  his  actual  situation,  ano  conceived  his 
means  for  offensive  operations  to  he  much  greater,  than 
in  reality  they  were;  and  from  him  expected  the  capture 
or  expulsion  of  the  British  army  in  Boston.  He  feit 
the  importance  of  securing  the  confidence  of  his  coun- 
trymen by  some  bri-lliant  action,  and  was  fully  sensible 
that  his  own  reputation  was  liable  to  sutler,  if  he  con- 
fined himself  solely  to  measures  of  defence.  To  pub- 
lish to  his  anxious  country,  in  his  vindication,  the  state 
of  his  army,  would  be  to  acquaint  the  enemy  with  his 
weakness,  and  to  involve  his  destruction. 

The  firmness  and  patriotism  of  General  WASHING- 
TON, \yere  displayed  in  making  the  good  of  his  country 
an  object  of  higher  consideration,  than  the  applause  of 
those,  who  were  incayable  of  forming  a  correct  opinion 
of  the  propriety  of  his  measures.  On  this,  and  on 
many  other  occasions  during  the  war,  he  withstood  the 
voice  of  the  populace,  rejected  the  entreaties  of  the 
eanguine.  and  refused  to  adopt  the  plans  of  the  jash, 
that  he  might  ultimately  secure  the  great  object  of 
contention. 

While  he  resolutely  rejected  every  measure,  that  in 
his  calm  and  deliberate  judgment,  he  did  not  approve, 
he  daily  pondered  upon  the  practicability  of  a  success- 
ful attack  upon  Boston.  As  a  preparatory  step,  ho 
took  possession  of  Plowed  Hill.  Cobble  Hill,c.nd  Lech- 
mere'e  Pojr  t,  and  upon  them  erected  fortifications. 
These  posts  brought  him  within  half  a  mile  of  the 
enemy's  works  on  Bunker's  Hill ;  and,  by  his  artilbry, 
he  drove  the  British  floating  oatteries  fr  m  their  sta- 
tions in  Charles's  River.  He  erected  floating  batteries, 
jo  watch  the  movements  of  his  enemy,  and  to  aid  in 
any  offensive  operations,  that  circumstances  might 


1776.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  tn 

warrant.  He  took  the  opinion  of  his  General  Officer* 
a.  second  time  respecting  the  meditated  attack  ;  they 
again  unanimously  gave  their  opinion  in  opposition  tc 
the  measure,  and  this  opif.ion  was  immediately  com- 
municated to  Congress.  Congress  appeared  still  to 
favour  the  attempt,  and,  that  an  apprehension  of  dan 
gei  to  the  town  of  Boston,  might  not  have  an  undue 
influence  upon  the  operations  of  the  army,  resolved, 
"  That  if  General  WASHINGTON  and  his 
DEC.  1775.  Council  of  war  should  be  of  opinion,  that 
a  successful  attacK  might  be  made  on  the 
troops  in  Boston,  he  should  make  it  in  any  manner  he 
might  think  expedient,  notwithstanding  the  town,  and 
property  therein,  might  thereby  be  destroyed." 

General  Howe  had,  in  October,  succeeded  General 
Gage  in  tlie  command  of  the  British  army,  and  through 
the  winter  confined  himself  to  measures  of  defence. 

The  inability  of  the  American   General  to   accom- 
plish  the   great    object   of  the   campaign,   repeatedly 
pointed    out   by  Congress,  was   a  source    of  extreme 
mortification  ;  but  he  indulged  the  hope  of  success  in 
some  military  operations  during  the  winter,  that  would 
correspond  wit  li  the  high  expectations  of  his  country, 
and  procure  him  honour  in  his  exalted  station  of  Com 
niander  in  Chief  of  the  American  armies.     In  his  re- 
ply to  the  President  of  Congress,  on  the   re 
'^'  ^'    ception  of  the  resolution,  authorizing  an   at 
tack  on  the  fortified  posts  in   Boston,  he  ob 
served,  "  The  resolution  leh'.tive  to  the  troops  in  Bos 
ton,  I  beg  the  favour  of  you,  Sir,  to  assure  Congress 
shall  be  attempted  to  be  put  in  execution  the  first  mo- 
ment 1  see  a  probability  of  success,  and  in  such  a  way 
as  a  Council  of  officers  shall  think  .uost  likely  to  pro- 
duce it ;  but  if  this,  should  not  happen  as  soon  as  you 
may  expect,  or   my  wishes  prompt  to,  I  request  that 
Congress  will  be  pleased  to  revert  to  my  situation,  and 
do  me  the  justice  to  believe  that  circumstances,  and 
not  want  of  inclination,  are  the  cause  of  delay." 


68  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776 

Early  in  January,  he  accordingly  summoned  a 
Council  of  war,  at  which  Mr.  John  Adams,  then  a 
Member  of  Congress,  and  Mr.  James  Warren,  Presi 
dent  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Mas'sachusetts, 
were  present ;  in  which  it  was  resolved,  "  That  a 
vigorous  attempt  ought  to  be  made  on  the  ministerial 
troops  in  Boston,  before  they  can  be  reinforced  in  the 
Spring,  if  the  means  can  be  provided,  and  a  favourable 
opportunity  shall  offer."  It  was  also  advised,  "  That 
thirteen  regiments  of  militia  should  be  asked  for,  from 
Massachusetts  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  in  or- 
der to  put  them  in  a  condition  to  make  the  attempt. 
The  militia  to  assemble  the  first  of  February,  and  to 
continue,  if  necessary,  until  the  first  of  March."  The 
reinforcements  thus  obtained,  amounted  to  between 
four  and  five  thousand  men  ;  but  thus  far  the  winter 
proved  unusually  mild,  and  the  waters  about  Boston 
were  not  frozen.  The  General,  in  his  official  commu- 
nication to  the  National  Legislature,  says,  "  Congress 
in  my  last,  would  discover  my  motives  for  strengthen- 
ing these  lines  with  the  militia  bui  whether,  as  the 
weather  turns  out  exceeding  mild,  insomuch  as  to 
promise  nothing  favourable  from  ice,  and  there  is  no 
appearance  of  powder,  I  shall  be  able  to  attempt  any 
thing  decisive,  time  only  can  determine.  No  person 
on  earth  wishes  more  earnestly  to  destroy  the  nest  in 
Boston  than  1  do  ;  no  person  would  be  willing  to  go 
greater  lengths  than  I  shall  to  accomplish  it,  if  it  shall 
be  thought  adviseable  ;  but  if  we  have  neither  powder 
to  bombard  with,  nor  ice  to  pass  on,  we  shall  be  in  no 
better  situation  than  we  have  been  in  all  the  year : 
we  shall  be  worse,  because  their  works  arc  stronger." 

While  anxiously  waiting  to  embrace  any  faveurable 
opportunity  that  might  present  to  annoy  the  enemy 
General  WASHINGTON  seriously  meditated  upon  the 
importance  of  establishing  a  permanent  army.  Hia 
experience  enabled  him  to  anticipate  the  evils  that 
laust  ensue  at  the  expiration  of  the  period  for  which 


J776]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  59 

Jie  present  troops  were  engaged,  and  he  bent  the 
whole  force  of  his  mind  to  induce  Congress  seasonably 
to  adopt  measures  to  prevent  them.  In  a  letter  to  the 
President  of  Congress,  dated  February  9,  he  entered 
thus  fully  into  the  subject. 

"  The  disadvantages  attending  the  limited  enlist- 
ment of  troops,  are  too  apparent  to  those  who  are  ey« 
witnesses  of  them,  to  render  any  animadversions  neces- 
ea-y  ;  but  to  gentlemen  at  a  distance,  whose  attention 
is  engrossed  by  a  thousand  important  objects,  the  case 
may  be  otherwise. 

"  That  this  cause  precipitated  the  fate  of  the  braVe, 
and  much  to  be  lamented  General  Montgomery,  and 
brought  on  the  defeat  which  followed  thepeup-m,  I 
have  not  the  most  distant  doubt  •  for,  had  he  not  been 
apprehensive  of  the  troops  leaving  him  at  so  important 
a  crisis,  but  continued  the  blockade  of  Quebeck,  a  ca- 
pitulation, (from  the  best  accounts  I  have  been  able  to 
collect)  must  inevitably  have  followed.  And,  that  we 
were  not  at  one  time  obliged  to  dispute  these  lines,  un- 
der disadvantageous  circumstances,  (proceeding  from 
the  same  cause,  to  wit,  the  troops  disbanding  them- 
selves before  the  militia  could  be  got  in)  is  to  me  a 
matter  of  wonder  and  astonishment  ;  and  proves  that 
General  Howe  was  either  unacquainted  witli  our  situa- 
tion, or  restrained  by  his  instructions  from  putting 
any  thing  to  a  hazard  till  his  reinforcements  should 
arrive. 

"  The  instance  of  General  Montgomery,  (I  mention 
it  because  it  is  a  striking  one  ;  for  a  number  of  others 
might  be  adduced)  proves,  that  instead  of  having  men 
to  take  advantage  of  circumstances,  you  are  in  a  man- 
ner compelled,  right  or  wrong,  to  make  circumstances 
yield  to  a  secondary  consideration.  Since  the  first  of 
December,  I  have  been  devising  every  means  in  my 
power  to  secure  these  encampments  ;  and  though  1  am 
sensible  that  we  never  have,  since  that  period,  been 
*ble  to  act  upon  the  offensive,  and  at  times  not  in  « 


80  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1778 

sondition  to  defend,  yet  the  cost  of  marching  home  one 
let  of  men,  bringing  in  another,  the  havock  and  waste 
occasioned  by  the  first,  the  repairs  necessary  for  the 
second,  with  a  thousand  incidental  charges  and  incon 
veniences  which  have  arisen,  arid  which  it  is  scarce 
possible  to  recollect  or  describe,  amount  to  near  as 
muclras  trie  keeping  up  a  respectable  body  of  troops 
the  whole  time,  ready  for  any  emergency,  would  have 
done.  To  this  may  be  added,  that  you  never  can  hav9 
a  well  disciplined  army. 

"  To  bring  men  well  acquainted  with  the  duties  of 
rsoldier,  requires  time.  To  bring  theui  under  proper 
discipline  and  subordination,  not  only  requires  time, 
but  is  a  work  of  great  difficulty  ;  and  in  this  army, 
where  there  is  so  little  distinction  between,  the  officers 
and  soldiers,  requires  an  uncommon  degree  of  atten- 
tion. To  expect  then,  the  same  service  from  law  and 
undisciplined  reciuits,  as  from  veteran  soldiers,  is  to 
expect  what  never  diJ,  arid  perhaps  never  will  nappen. 
Men  who  are  familiarized  to  danger,  meet  it  without 
shrinking  ;  whereas,  those  who  have  never  seen  ser- 
vice, often  apprehend  danger  where  no  danger  is. 
TJiree  tilings  prompt  men  to  a  regular  discharge  of 
their  duty  in  time  of  action — natural  bravery,  hope  of 
reward,  and  fear  of  punishment.  The  two  first  are 
common  to  the  untutored  and  the  disciplined  soldier  ; 
but  the  latter  most  obviously  distinguishes  the  one 
from  the  other.  A  coward,  when  taught  to  Believe, 
that  if  he  break  his  ranks  and  ?.'><tndcn  his  colours,  he 
will  be  punished  with  death  by  his  own  party,  will  take 
his  chance  against  the  enemy  ;  but  a  man  who  thinks 
little  of  the  one,  and  is  fearful  of  the  other,  acts  from 
present  feelings,  regardless  of  consequences. 

"  Again,  men  of  a  day's  standing  will  not  look  for- 
ward ;  and,  from  experience  we  find,  that  as  the  time 
approaches  for  their  discharge,  they  grow  careless  of 
their  arms,  ammunition,  camp  utensita,  &G.  Nay, 
even  the  barracks  themselves,  lay  us  under  additional 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  t>\ 

expense  in  providing  for  every  fresh  set,  when  we 
find  it  next  to  impossible  to  procure  such  articles  aa 
are  absolutely  necessary  in  the  first  instance.  To  this 
may  be  added,  the  seasoning  which  new  recruits  must 
have  to  a  camp,  and  the  loss  consequent  thereupon. 
But  this  is  not  all :  men,  engaged  for  a  short,  limited 
timo  only,  have  the  officers  too  much  in  theif'  power : 
for  to  obtain  a  degree  of  popularity,  in  order  to  induce 
a  second  enlistment,  a  kind  of  familiarity  takes  place, 
which  brings  on  a  relaxation  of  discipline,  unlicensed 
furloughs,  and  other  indulgences,  incompatible  with 
order  and  good  government  ;  by  which  means,  the 
latter  part  of  the  time  for  which  the  soldier  was  en- 
gaged, is  spent  in  undoing,  what  you  were  aiming  to 
inculcate  in  the  first. 

"  To  go  into  an  enumeration  of  all  the  evils  we 
have  experienced  in  this  late  great  change  of  the  ar 
my,  and  the  expenses  incidental  to  it — to  say.  nothing 
of  the  hazard  we  have  run,  and  must  rim,  beiwce'i'the 
discharging  of  one  army  and  the  enlistment  of  another, 
unless  an  enormous  expense  of  militia  be  incurred — 
would  greatly  exceed  the  bounds  of  a  letter.  What  I 
have  already  taken  the  liberty  of  saying,  will  serve  to 
convey  a  general  idea  of  the  matter  ;  and  therbfore  I 
shall,  with  all  due  deference,  take  the  liberty  to  give 
it  as  mj1  opinion,  that  if  the  Congress  have  any  reason 
to  v>elieve  tliat  there  will  be  occasion  for  troops  another 
year,  and  consequently  of  another  enlistment,  they 
would  save  money,  and  have  infinitely  better  troops, 
if  they  were,  even  at  a  bounty  t>f  twenty,  thirty,  or 
more  dollars,  to  engage  the  men  already  enlisted,  ;ill 
January  next ;  and  such  others  as  may  be  wanted  to 
complete  the  establishment,  for,  and  during  the  wai 
I  will  not  undertake  to  say.  that  the  men  can  be  had 
vpon  these  terms  ;  but  I  am  satisfied  that  it  will  never 
do  to  let  the  matter  alone,  as  it  was  last  year,  tilJ  the 
iime  of  service  v/as  near  expiring.  The  hazard  is  too 
trreat  in  the  first  place  ;  in  the  next,  the  trouble  and 

VOL.  I.  6 


82  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  |1776 

perplexity  of  v'.isbanding  one  army  and  raising  another 
at  the  same  instant,  and  in  such  a  critical  situation  a» 
the  last  was,  is  scarcely  in  the  po\ver  of  words  to  de- 
ecribe,  and  such  as  no  man,  who  has  experienced  it 
once,  will  ever  undergo  again." 

Unhappily,  the  reasons  which  first  induced  Congress 
to  adopt  the  plan  of'  short  enlistments,  still  had  influ- 
ence on  that  body,  and  on  many  of  the  general  officers 
of  the  army  ;  nof  were  they  convinced  of  their  errour, 
but  by  the  mosOdistressing  experience. 

The  ice  now  became  sufficiently  strong 
FKB.  14.  for  General  WASHINGTON  to  march  his 
forces^  upon  it,  into  Boston  ;  and  he  was 
himself  inclined  to  risk  a  general  assault  upon  the 
British  posts,  although  he  had  not  powder  to  make 
any  extensive  use  of  his  artillery  ;  but  his  general  of 
fleers  in  Council  voted  against  the  attempt,  with 
whose  decision  he  reluctantly  acquiesced.  In  his 
communication  of  their  opinion  to  Congress,  he  ob- 
served-, "  Perhaps  the  irksomeness  of  my  situation 
may  have  given  different  ideas  to  me,  Irom  those 
which  influence  the  judgment  of  the  gintleme.i  whom 
I  consulted,  and  might  have  inclined  me  to  put  more 
to  ha/ard  than  was  consistent  with  prudence.  If  it  had 
this  effect,  I  am  not  sensible  of  it,  as  I  endeavoured  to 
give  the  subject  all  the  consideration  a  matter  cf  such 
importance  required.  True  it  is,  and  I  cannot  helo 
acknowledging,  that  I  have  many  disagreeable  sensa- 
tions on  account  of  rny  situation  ;  for,  to  have  the  eyes 
of  the  whole  continent  fixed  on  me,  with  anxious  ex- 
pectation of  hearing  of  some  great  event,  and  to  be  re- 
strained in  every  military  operation,  for  the  want  of  the 
necessary  means  to  carry  it  on,  is  not  very  pleasing  ; 
especially,  as  the  means  used  to  conceal  my  weakness 
from  the  enemy,  conceal  it  also  from  my  friends,  and 
add  co  their  wonder." 

By  the  last  of  February,  the  stock  of  powder  wa« 
sonsidsrably  increased,  and  the  regular  army  amount- 


1776]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  63 

ed  t~  14,000  \.\en,  which  was  reinforced  by  G,000  of  the 
miUtii  of  Massachusetts.  General  WASHINGTON  nofl 
resolved  to  take  possession  of  the  Heights  of  Dorches- 
ter, in  the  prospect  that  this  movement  would  bring 
on  a  general  engagement  with  the  enemy,  under  fa- 
vourable circumstancaa ;  or,  should  this  expectation 
fail,  from  this  potion  he  would  be  enabled  to  annoy 
the  ships  in  the  harbour,  and  the  troops  in  the  town 
Possessing  these  heights,  he  might  erect  works  upon 
the  points  of  land  nearest  to  the  southerly  part  of  Bos- 
ton, which  would  command  the  harbour  and  a  great 
part  of  the  town,  as  well  as  the  beach  from  which  an 
embarcation  must  be  made,  in  case  the  enemy  was  dis 
posed  to  evacuate  the  place. 

To  mask  the  design,  a  severe  cannonade  and  bom- 
bardment were  opened  on  the  British  works  and  lines, 
for  several  nights  in  succession.  As  soon  as  the  firing 
began  on  the  night  of  the  4th  of  March,  a  strong  db- 
tachment  marched  from  Iloxbury,  over  the  neck,  and, 
without  discovery,  took  possession  of  the  heights. 
General  Ward,  who  «ommanded  the  division  of  the 
army  in  Roxbury,  had,  fortunately,  provided  fascines 
before  the  resolution  passed  to  lortify  the  place  ;  these 
were  of  great  use,  as  the  ground  was  deeply  frozen ; 
and,  in  the  course  of  the  night,  the  party  I  y  uncom- 
mon exertions  erected  works  which  defended  them 
against  the  shot  of  the  enemy.  On  the  next  morning, 
the  British  manifested  surprise  and  consternation  at 
sight  of  the  American  fortifications.  Mutual  firings 
took  place,  but  with  little  effect ;  and  the  Americana 
laboured  indefatigably  to  complete  their  works. 

On  the  contingence  of  an  attack  upon  Dorchester 
Heights,  by  a  strong  force,  it  had  been  resolved,  that 
four  thousand  of  the  American  troops,  in  boats,  should 
cross  Charles  river,  protected  by  three  floating  batte- 
ries, and  attempt  to  carry  the  British  posts  in  Boston, 
and  open  the  communication  by  the  neck  to  the  Ameri- 
can forces  in  Iloxburv 


C4  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I77b 

Admiral  Shuldham  informed  General  Howe,  thai 
the  Americans  must  be  dislodged,  or  he  could  not  re- 
main with  his  fleet  in  Boston  harbour.  In  pursuance 
of  this  intimation,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  5th,  a  de- 
tachment consisting  of  three  thousand  men  fell  down 
to  Castle  Island,  now  Fort  Independence,  a  position 
which  would  facilitate  the  attack  on  the  next  morning 
but  a  violent  storm,  during  the  night,  deranged  the 
plan,  and  before  the  British  were  again  in  readiness  to 
make  the  attempt,  the  American  works  became  too 
formidable  to  be  assaulted. 

General  WASHINGTON,  on  this  occasion,  indulged  a 
confident  expectation  of  the  success  of  his  plans  ;  and 
wisned  the  meditated  attack  upon  Dorchester  to  be 
made,  in  the  sanguine  hope,  that  the  complete  con- 
quest of  the  British  troops  in  Boston  would  be  its  ulti- 
mate effect ;  but  the  storm  frustrated  his  prospects. 

The  safety  of  the  British  fleet  and  army,  rendered 
Ihe  evacuation  of  Boston  a  necessary  measure  ;  and 
.he  arrangements  of  the  enemy  for  this  purpose,  were 
Boon  communicated  to  General  WASHINGTON.  A  pa 
per,  under  the  signature  of  four  of  the  Selectmen,  was 
sent  out  by  a  flag,  containing  a  proposal,  purporting  to 
be  made  by  General  Howe,  that  on  condition  his  army 
was  periratted  to  embark  without  molestation,  the 
town  should  be  left  without  injury.  The  letter  was 
directed  to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  but  it  did  not 
bear  the  signature  of  General  Howe,  nor  bino.  him  to 
the  observance  of  the  condition.  General  WASHING- 
TON did  not,  therefore,  officially  notice  it ;  but  he  di- 
rected the  American  officer,  to  whom  it  was  delivered, 
to  return  an  answer  to  the  Selectmen,  informing  them 
that  their  letter  had  been  communicated  to  his  Gene 
ral,  and  assigning  the  reasons  why  it  had  not  been  of- 
ficially noticed  ;  but  both  the  commanders  appear  to 
have  tacitly  complied  with  the  conditions.  The  Bri  • 
tish  army  was  not  annoyed  in  the  preparations  to  leave 
their  post, nor  was  Nook's  point  fortified.  On  the  17th, 


1776.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  63 

the  town  was  evacuated,  and  left  in  a  better  stato  than 
was  expected  ;  the  houses  were  not  damaged  in  any 
great  degree  ;  but  the  British  left  few  publick  stores 
of  value. 

Although  Halifax  was  mentioned,  as  the  destined 
place  of  the  British  armament,  yet  General  WASHING 
TC'.N   apprehended  that   New-York  was  their  object 
On  this  supposition,  he  detached   several  brigades  of 
his  army  to  that  city,  before  the  evacuation  of  Boston 

General  Howe  remained  a  number  of  days  in  Nan 
tasket  Road,  and  the  Commander  in  Chief,  when  ho 
entered  Boston,  as  a  measure  of  security,  fortified  Fort 
Hill. 

The  issue  of  the  campaign  was  highly  gratifying  to 
all  classes ;  and  the  gratulation  of  his  fellow-citizens 
upon  the  repossession  of  the  metropolis  of  Massachu- 
setts, was  more  pleasing  to  the  Commander  in  Chief 
than  would  have  been  the  honours  of  a  triumph.  Con 
gress,  to  express  the  publick  approbation  of  the  milita 
ry  achievements  of  their  General,  resolved,  "  That  the 
thanks  of  Congress,  'in  their  own  name,  and  in  the 
name  of  the  thirteen  United  Colonies,  be  presented  to 
his  Excellency  General  WASHINGTON,  and  the  officers 
and  soldiers  under  his  command,  for  their  wiae  and 
spirited  conduct  in  the  siege  and  acquisition  of  Boston, 
and  thct  a  medal  of  gold  be  struck,  in  commemora- 
tion of  this  great  event,  and  presented  to  his  Ex 
cellency." 

In  his  letter,  informing  Congress  that  he  had  exe 
cuted  their  order,  and  communicated  to  the  army  th» 
vote  of  thanks,  he  observes,  "  They  were  indeed,  a* 
first,  a  band  of  undisciplined  husbandmen,  but  it  ia, 
under  God, to  their  bravery  and  attention  to  their  dutv, 
that  I  am  indebted  for  that,  success  which  has  procured 
me  the  only  reward  I  wish  to  reco  ve,  the  affection  and 
esteem  of  my  countrymen." 


96  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I77tx 


CHAPTER.  III. 

General  Washington  marches  the  army  to  New- York — Fortifica- 
tions of  the  City  anil  I?  ver — Independence  declared — General 
Howe  lands  on  Stuten  Isl.ml — Interview  bet  wren  General  Wash- 
ington and  Colonel  Patterson — State  of  the  Bril  i.«l«  anil  American 
Forces — Camp  at  Brooklyn — Battle  on  Long  Islnnd — Retreat 
from  it — The  City  and  Island  of  New- York  evacuated — Manoeu- 
vres at  White  Plains — Fort  Washington  taken — General  Howe 
invades  New-Jersey — Depression  of  the  Americans — General 
Washington  invested  with  new  Powers — Succe'ss  at  Trenton,  and 
at  Princeton — New-Jersey  rf  covered. 

1776.  As  soon  as  the  necessary  arrangements  were 
made  in  Boston,  in  the  persuasion  t.jat  the  Hudson 
would  be-  the  scene  of  the  next  campaign,  General 
WASHINGTON  marched  the  main  body  of  his  army  to 
New- York,  where  he  arrived  himself  the  14th  of  April. 

The  situation  of  New-York  was  highly  favourable  for 
an  invading  army,  supported  by  a  superiour  naval  force. 
The  Sound,  the  North  and  East  rivers,  opened  a  direct 
access  to  any  point  on  Long  Island,  York  Island,  or  on 
the  continent  bordering  upon  those  waters.  To  the 
effectual  defence  of  the  city,  the  passage  up  the  rivers 
must,  be  obstructed  by  forts  and  other  impediments  ; 
and  an  army  wJs  necessary,  of  force  sufficient  to  mar 
the  posts  and  linos  of  defence,  and  to  meet  the  invading 
foe  in  the  field.  Aware  of  these  facts.  General  WASH- 
INGTON doubted  the  practicability  of  a  successful  de 
fence  of  New- York.  But  the  importance  of  the  placf., 
and  the  difficulty  which  he  had  already  experienced  in 
dislodging  an  army  from  a  fortified  town,  open  to  the 
protection  and  supplies  of  a  fleet,  inclined  him  to  make 
the  attempt.  His  own  disposition  to  the  measure  was 
strengthened  by  the  wishes  of  Congress,  the  opinion 
of  his  general  officers,  and  by  the  expectation  of  his 
eountry.  The  resolution  being  formed,  he  called  into 
action,  all  the  resources  in  his  power,  to  effect  it.  His 
iir?t  care  was  to  nut  an  end  to  the  intercourse,  which 


177C  j  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  67 

to  this  time  had  been  continued,  between  the  t<»»vn  and 
the  British  ships  in  the  harbour,  by  which  thoy  wero 
supplied  with  every  necessary  ;  and  Tryon,  the  British 
Go/ernour,  enjoyed  the  most  favourable  opportunity 
to  concert  his  plans  with  the  numerous  disaffected  in- 
habitants of  the  city  and  its  vicinity  ;  and  by  the  aid 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  this  dangerous  communi- 
cation was  effectually  stopped.  The  General,  with 
unremitted  diligence,  pushed  on  his  works  of  defence. 
Hulks  were  sunk  in  the  North  and  East  rivers  ;  forts 
were  erected  on  the  most  commanding  situations  on 
their  banks  ;  and  works  were  raised  to  defend  the 
narrow  passage  between  Long  and  York  Islands. 

The  passes  in  the  High  Lands,  bordering  on  the 
Hudson,  became  an  object  of  early  and  solicitdys  at- 
tention. The  command  of  this  river  was  equally  im 
portant  to  the  American  and  the  British  General. 
By  its  possession,  the  Americans  easily  conveyed  sup- 
plies of  provision  and  ammunition  to  the  northern 
army,  and  secured  an  intercourse  between  the  southern 
and  northern  colonies,  an  intercourse  essential  to 
the  success  of  the  war.  In  the  hands  of  the  British, 
this  necessary  communication  was  interrupted,  and  an 
intercourse  between  the  Atlantic  and  Canad?.  was 
opened  to  them.  General  WASHINGTON  ordered  these 
passes  to  be  fortified,  and  made  thejr  security  an  ob- 
ject of  primary  importance,  through  every  period  of 
his  command. 

In  these  defensive  preparations,  the  American  army 
incessantly  laboured  until  Lord  and  General  Howe 
arrived  at  Sandy  Hook  with  the  British  fleet  and  army. 
In  the  near  prospect  of  active  warfare,  the  mind  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  was  agitated  by  innumerable  em 
barrassments.  He  found  himself  destitute  of  the 
means  to  give  his  country  t*ie  protection  it  expected 
from  him  ;  the  Colonies  haa  j  '  '  filled  up  their  respec- 
tive regiments  ;  his  force  had  been  weakened  by  large 
detachments  sent  to  reinforce  the  army  in  Canada ;  h» 


08  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I77t» 

was  greatly  deficient  in  arms,  tents,  clothing,  and  all 
military  stores  ;  and  notwithstanding  his  urgent  en- 
treaties on  this  subject,  such  was  the  destitute  slate  of 
America,  that  Congress  with  all  their  exertions  were 
unable  I 1  supply  him.  Two  thousand  men  in  camp, 
were  at  this  time  without  arms ;  and  no  confidence 
co'ild  be  placed  in  many  of  the  muskets,  which  were 
m  the  ha&ds  of  the  soldiery.  In  this  weak  and  de- 
ficient con.L'tion,  General  WASHINGTON  was  to  oppose 
a  powerful  and  well  appointed  arrny,  and  to  guard 
against  the,  intrigues  of  those  in  New- York  and  its 
neighbourhood,  who  were  disaffected  to  the  American 
cause :  the.  e  were  numerous,  powerful,  and  enter- 
prising. A  )  Ian  was  laid  by  Governour  Tryon,  through 
the  agency  of  the  Mayor  of  the  city,  to  aid  the  enemy 
in  landing,  tnd  to  seize  the  person  of  General  WASH- 
INGTON. The  defection  reached  the  American  army, 
and  even  some  of  the  General's  guard  engaged  in  the 
conspiracy  ;  but  it  was  seasonably  discovered,  and  a 
number  of  those  concerned  in  it  were  executed. 

The  permanent  troops  being  found  incompetent  to 
defend  the. country,  it  became  necessary  to  call  detach- 
ments of  militia  into  the  field  ;  and  Congress,  placing 
implicit  confidence  in  the  judgment  and  patriotism  of 
their  General,  invested  him  with  discretionary  powers, 
to  call  on  the  governments  of  the  neighbouring  Colo- 
nies, for  such  numbers  as  circumstances  should  fe- 
quire  ;  and  they  empowered  him  to  form  those  maga- 
zines of  military  stores,  which  he  might  deem  to  be 
necessary.  In  pursuance  of  the  measure  recommend- 
ed by  Congress,  a  requisition  was  made  for  thirteen 
thousand  and  eight  hundred  of  the  militia  from  Mas- 
sachusetts, Connecticut,  New- York,  and  New-Jersey. 

While  these  defensive  preparations  were  going  for 
ward  in  the  camp,  Congress  was  ripening  measures  ti 
declare  the  Colonies  independent  of  Great  Britain. 
The  free  exercise  of  their  constitutional  rights  wa» 

e  extent  of  the  American  claim  at -ne  commence 


1776-3  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  69 

merit  of  the  controversy,  and  a  reconciliation  wit'i  the 
parent  state,  by  a  redress  of  grievances,  was  the  ar- 
dent desire  of  the  great  body  of  the  American  people 
but  the  operations  of  war  produced  other  feelings  ami 
views:  A  general  alienation  of  affection  from  the  Bri- 
tish government  took  place,  and  it  was  thought  that 
the  mutual  confidence  of  the  two  countries  could  never 
be  restored.  In  the  common  apprehension,  it  became 
an  absurdity,  that  one  country  should  maintain  autho- 
rity over  another,  distant  from  it  three  thousand  miles 
The  restrictions  of  Great  Britain  upon  the  Colonial 
trade,  in  the  course  of  investigation,  appeared  as  a 
heavy  burden,  and  the  commerce  of  the  ^orl-d  was 
viewed  as  a  high  reward  of  independence  :  common 
sense  dictated,  that  the  ability  successfully  to  contend 
for  the  liberty  formerly  enjoyed  as  British  Colonies, 
strenuously  exerted,  would  secure  to  the  country  the 
more  honourable  and  permanent  blessings  of  an  inde- 
pendent and  sovereign  nation.  The  declaration  of  in- 
dependence was  supposed  to  be  the  most  effectual 
means  to  secure  the  aid  of  foreign  powers  ;  because 
the  great  kingdoms  of  Europe  would  be  disposed  to 
assist  the  efforts  of  the  Colonies  to  establish  an  inde- 
pendent government,  although  they  would  not  inter- 
fere with  their  struggles  to  regain  the  liberties  of  Bri- 
tish subjects.  By  reasonings  of  this  nature,  the  minds 
of  the  American  people  were  ripened  to  renounce  their 
allegiance  to  Britain,  and  to  assume  a  place  am^ng  in- 
dependent nations  ;  and  the  representatives  of  most  of, 
the  Colonies  were  instructed  to  support  in  Congnr vt 
measures  for  ihis  important  purpose. 

Early  in  June,  the  following  resolution  was  moved 
in  Congress  by  Richard  Henry  Lee,  and  seconded  by 
John  Adams,  "  Resolved  that  these  United  Colonies 
are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be,  free  and  independent 
States  ;  and  that  all  political  connexion  between  them 
andtthe  state  of  Great  Britain  is,  and  ought  to  be,  to- 
Villy  dissolved.'  This  resolation  was  solemnly  do 


70  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776. 

bated  for  several  days,  and  finally  passed  Con- 
IVLV  4.    greps,  in  the  affirmative,  by  the  unanimous 
suffrage  of  its  members. 

The  duties  of  the  field  precluded  General  WASHING- 
TON from  a  primary  agency  in  thi?  important,  national 
measure ;  but  it  met  his  full  approbation.  On  the  re- 
soption  of  the  instrument,  he  wrote  as  follows  to  the 
President  of  Congress. 

"  1  perceive  that  Congress  have  been  employed  .in  de- 
li'oerating  on  measures  of  the  most  important  nature. 
It  is  certain  that  it  is  not  with  us  to  determine  in  many 
instances,  what  consequences  will  flow  from  our  coun- 
sels :  but  yet  it  behooves  us  to  adopt  such,  as,  under  the 
smiles  of  8  gracious  and  all  kind  Providence,  will  be 
most  likely  to  promote  our  happiness.  I  trust  the  late 
decisive  part  they  have  taken,  is  calculated  for  that  end, 
and  will  secure  us  that  freedom,  and  those  privileges, 
which  have  been,  and  are,  refused  us,  contrary  to  the 
voice  of  nature,  and  the  British  Constitution.  Agreea- 
ble lo  the  request  of  Congress.  I  caused  The  Declara- 
tion to  be  proclaimed  before  all  the  army,  under  my 
immediate  command  ;  and  have  the  pleasure  to  inform 
them,  that  the  measure  seemed  to  havethe'rr  most  hearty 
consent  :  the  expressions  and  behaviour  of  both  officers 
and  men,  testifying  their  warmest  npprobatioh  of  it." 

General  Howe  had  sailed  from  Halifax  in  June,  and 
early  in  July  lauded  his  army,  without  serious  opposi- 
tion, 'n  Staten  Island;  and  on  the  twelfth  01  that 
mouth,  he  was  joined  by  Lord  Howe,  with  the  rein- 
forcements for  the  army.  Lord  How  !  had  been  ap- 
pointed to  coiamnnd  the  naval  force  01,  the  American 
station  ;  and  he  and  the  General  were  invested  with 
the  powers  of  Commissioners  to  treat  with  individuals, 
imd  with  corporate  bodies  in  the  Colonies,  upon  terms 
of  reconciliation  with  Britain.  Although  independ- 
ence was  already  declared,  yet  they  were  anxious  to 
commence  negotiation  ;  and  though  unwilling  to  re 
cognise  the  cvlieial  capacity  of  Congress,,  or  of  GeneraJ 


177(5.1  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  71 

WASHINGTON,  yet  they  desired  to  open  with  them  a 
correspondence.  His  Lordship  sent  a  letter  by  a  flag, 
directed  to  "George  Washington,  Esq."  This  the 
(reneial  refused  to  receive,  as  "  it  did  not  acknowledge 
tiie  publick  character,  with  which  he  was  invested  by 
Congress,  and  in  no  other  character  could  he  have  any 
intercourse  with  his  Lordship."  Congress, by  a  formal 
resolution,  approved  the  dignified  conduct*  of  their 
General,  and  directed,  "  That  no  letter  or  message  be 
received  on  any  occasion  whatever  from  the  enemy, 
by  the  Commander  in  Chief,  or  others,  the  Command- 
on  of  the  American  army,  but  such  as  shall  be  direct- 
ed to  t.'iem  in  the  character  they  respectively  sustain." 

\.n  intercourse  between  the  British  commander,  and 
General  WASHINGTON,  was  greatly  desired  for  political 
reasons,  as  well  as  for  purposes  growing  out  of  the 
wa.  Not  yet  disposed  to  adopt  his  military  address, 
the  r  sent  Colonel  Patterson,  Adjutant  General  of  the 
British  army,  to  the  American  head  quarters,  with  a 
letter  directed  to  "  George  Washington,  &c.  &c.  &c.' 
Win  n  the  Colonel  was  introduced  to  the  General,  he 
addn«ssed  him  by  the  title  of  Excellency,  and  s--\id, 
"  that  General  Howe  greatly  regretted  the  difficulty 
that  had  arisen  respecting  the  address  of  the  letter ; 
that  the  manner  \.>f  direction  had  been  common  with 
Amtassadors  and  Plenipotentiaries,  in  cases  of  «lis- 
pute  about  rank  and  precedency  ;  that  General  WASK- 
irtGT  )N  had  himself,  the  last,  year,  directed  a  letter  in 
the  following  manner,  "  'i  lie  Hon.  William  Howe  ;" 
that  Lord  and  General  Howe  held  his  rerson  and 
character  in  the  highest  respect,  and  did  not  mean  to 
derogate  from  his  rank  ;  and,  that  the  et  ceteras  iir.- 
plicJ  every  thing  which  ought  to  follow."  -He  then 
laid  the  letter  which  had  been  before  sent,  on  the  table. 

The  General, declining  its  reception,  observed,  "that 
a  letter,  directed  to  a  publick  character,  should  have 
an  address  descriptive  of  that  character,  or  it  might  b«> 
considered  as  a  private  letter.  It  was  true  that  tins 


72  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [776 

ct  ceteras  implied  every  thing,  they  also  implied  any 
thing.  Tin  letter  alluded  to,  was  in  answer  to  one 
received  from  General  Howe,  under  the  like  address; 
which  being  received  bv  the  officer  on  duty,  he  did 
not  think  proper  to  return-;  ami  therefore  answered  in 
the  same  mode  of  address  ;  and  that  he  should  abso- 
lutely decline  any  lettes  relating  to  his  publick  station, 
directed  to -him  as  a  private  person." 

Colonel  Patterson  then  said,  that  General  Howe 
would  not  urge  his  delicacy  farther,  and  repeated  his 
assertion-,  that  no  failure  of  respect  was  intended. 
Some  general  conversation  then  passed,  respecting  the 
treatment  of  prisoners,  when  the  Colonel  proceeded  to 
observe,  that  the  goodness  of  the  King  had  induced 
him  to  appoint  Lord  ami  General  Howe  his  commis- 
sioners, to  accommodate  the  dispute  that  had  unhappi- 
ly arisen  ;  that  their  powers  were  very  extensive,  and 
they  would  be  highly  gratified  in  effecting  the  accom- 
modation ;  and  he  wished  lire  visit  might  be  consider- 
ed as  the  introduction  to  negotiation. 

General  WASHINGTON  replied,  that  Congress  had 
not  invested  him  with  powers  to  negotiate  ;  but  he 
would  observe,  that  from  what  had  transpired,  it  ap- 
peared that  Lord  and  General  Howe  were  only  em- 
powered to  grant  pardons :  that  they  who  had  com- 
mitted no  faults,  wanted  no  pardon  ;  and  that  the 
.Americans  were  only  defending  what  they  thought 
their  indubitable  rights.  Colonel  Patterson  rejoined, 
that  this  would  open  a  wide  field  of  argument,  and  af- 
ter expressing  his  fears,  that  an  adherence  to  forms 
might  obstruct  business  of  tl>e  greatest  moment,  took 
bis  leave.  The  highest  courtesy  was  observed  in  this 
conference :  the  address  of  Colonel  Patterson  was 
manly  and  polished  ;  the  American  General  fully  sup- 
ported the  dignity  of  his  character  and  station  ,  and 
the  scene  was  highly  interesting  to  spectators 

The  Commander  in  Chief  expected  no  salutary  eon- 
icquenccs  to  result  from  .the  agency  of  the  British 


1776.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  73 

commissioners.  He  apprehended,  that  their  attempts 
at  negotiation  were  calculated  only  to  divide  and 
weaken  the  continent  ;  and  he  feared,  that  their  mea- 
sures woulti  operate  to  relax  the  exertions  of  the  United 
States  to  meet  the  conflicts  of  the  field.  In  a  private 
letter  to  a  conlidential  friend,  as  early  as  May,  he  la- 
mented the  etiects  of  this  nature,  which  had  actually 
been  produced.  "  Many  members  of  Congress,"  he 
wrote, "in  short  the  representatives  of  whole  provinces, 
fi.ro  still  feciling  themselves  on  the  dainty  food  of recon- 
oliation  ;  and  although  they  will  not  allow  that  the 
expectation  of  it  has  any  influence  on  their  judgments, 
so-  far  as  respects  preparations  for  defence,  it  is  but 
loo  obvious  that  it  has  an  operation  upon  every  part  of 
their  conduct,  and  is  a  clog  upon  all  their  proceedings. 
It  is  not  in  the  nature  of  things  to  be  otherwise  ;  for 
HO  man  who  entertains  a  hope  of  seeing  this  dispute 
speedily  and  equitably  adjusted  by  commissioners,  will 
go  to  the  same  expense,  and  incur  the  same  hazards,  to 
prepare  for  the  worst  event,  that  he  will  who  believes 
that  he  must  conquer  or  submit  unconditionally ,  and  tako 
the  consequences,  such  as  confiscation  and  hanging." 
General  Howe  commanded  a  force  of  twen- 
AUG.  8.  ty-four  thousand  men,  well  disciplined,  and 
abundantly  supplied  with  every  tiling  neces- 
sary to  take  the  field  ;  he  daily  expected  to  be  rein- 
forced by  a  second  detachment  of  German  troops  ;  aud 
he  was  supported  by  a  fleet  judiciously-  fitted  to  ii.° 
destined  service.  To  oppose  this  formidable  enemy 
General  WASHINGTON  had  under  his  direction  seven- 
teen thousand  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  men  ;  of 
these  three  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty-eight  wero 
in  the  hospital.  His  effective  force  was  disposed  in 
New-York,  on  Long  and  Governour's  Islands,  and  at 
Paulus  Hook  ;  and  he  informed  Congress,  that,  in  case 
of  an  attack,  he  could  promise  himself  only  the  addition 
of  one  small  battalion.  Some  of  the  posts  occupied 
by  the  army  were  fifteen  miles  distant  from  others,  and 
VOL.  I.  7 


74  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

navigable  waters  intervened.  "  These  things,"  ob- 
•served  the  General,  "  are  melancholy,  but  they  are 
nevertheless  true.  I  hope  for  better.  Under  'every 
disadvantage,  my  utmost  exertions  shall  be  employed, 
to  bring  about  the  great  end  we  have  in  view  ;  and  so 
far  as  I  can  judge  from  the  professions  and  apparent 
disposition  of  my  troops,  I  shall  have  their  support. 
The  superiority  of  the  enemy,  and  the  expected  attack 
d:>  not  seem  to  have  depressed  their  spirits.  These 
considerations  lead  me  to  think,  that  though  the  ap- 
peal may  not  terminate  so  happily  as  I  could  wish,  yet 
the  enemy  will  not  succeed  in  their  views  without 
considerable  loss%  Any  advantage  they  may  gain,  will, 
I  trust,  cost  them  dear.'' 

Before  serious  hostilities  commenced,  thn  American 
army  was  reinforced  by  several  regiments. of  perma- 
nent troops,  and  by  detachments  of  militia,  which  made 
the  whole  number  amount  to  twenty-seven  thousand  ; 
but  the  men  were  not  accustomed  to  the  life  of  the 
carnp ;  they  were  much  exposed  from  the  want  of 
tents,  and  one  quarter  of  the  whole  army  were  taken 
from  duty  by  sickness. 

While -waiting  the  tardy  movements  of  the  enemy, 
General  WASHINGTON,  apprised  of  the  impressions  that 
would  be  made  by  the  event  of  the  first  encounter,  ex- 
erted himself  to  the  utmost  to  bring  his  inexperienced 
troops  un-der  subordination,  and  to  excite  in  their  mili- 
tary ardour,  without  which  he  crfuld  have  no  hope  of 
successful  warfare.  In  general  orders,  he  called  upon 
officers  to  be  cool  in  action,  and  upon  the  soldiery  to 
be  obedient  to  orders,  and  to  be  firm  and  courageous. 
Ho  directed,  that  any  soldier,  who  deserted  -his  ranka 
in  time  of  battle,  should  be  immediately  shot  down. 
He  desired  commanders  of  corps  to  report  to  him 
every  instance  of  dialing!  ished  bravery  in  the  soldiery, 
with  promise  of  reward.  He  e«deavouned,by  the  love 
of  liberty,  of  country,  and  of  posterity,  to  animate  his 
army  to  do  their  duty.  "  The  time,"  he  observed, 


1776.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  75 

"is  now  at  hand,  which  must  probably  determine 
whether  Americans  are  to  be  free  men  or  slaves  . 
whether  they  are  to  have  any  property  they  can  call 
their  own  ;  whether  their  houses  and  farms  are  to  be 
pillaged  and  destroyed,  and  themselves  consigned  to  a 
state  of  wretchedness,  from  which  no  human  efforts 
wiil  deliver  them.  The  fate  of -unborn  millions  will 
now  depend,  under  God,  on  thj  courage  and  conduct 
of  this  army.  Our  cruel  and  unrelenting  enemy  leaves 
us  only  the  choice  of  a  brave  resistance,  or  the  most 
abject  submission.  We  have  to  resolve  to  conquer, 
or  to  die.  Our  own,  our  country's  honour  call  upon 
us  for  a  vigorous  and  manly  exertion  ;  and  if  we  now 
shamefully  fail,  we  shall  become  infamous  to  the  whole 
world.  Let  us  then  rely  on  the  goodness  of  our  cause, 
and  on  the  aid  of  the  Supreme  Being,  in  whose  hand 
victory  is,  to  animate  and  encourage  us  to  great  and 
noble  actions.  The  eyes  of  all  our  countrymen  are 
now  upon  us,  and  we  shall  have  their  blessing  and 
praises,  if  happily  we  are.  the  instruments  of  saving 
them  from  the  tyranny  meditated  against  them.  Let 
us  therefore  animate  and  encourage  each  other,  and 
show  the  whole  world,  that  a  freeman,  contending  for 
liberty  on  his  own  ground,  is  superiour  to  any  slavish 
mercenary  on  earth." 

In  the  communication  to  his  army  of  the 

JULY  21      success  of  the  Americans  at  Fort  Moultrie, 

near  Charleston,  he  thus  laboured  to  excite 

them  to  emulate  the  bravery  of  their  countrymen  in 

South  Carolina. 

"  This_  glorious  example  of  our  troops,  under  ha 
like  circumstances  with  ourselves,  the  General  hopes, 
will  animate  every  officer  and  soldier  to  imitate,  and 
even  to  outdo  them,  when  the  enemy  shall  make  the 
same  attempt  on  us.  With  such  a  bright  example  be- 
fore us,  of  what  can  be  done  by  brave  men,  fighting  in 
defence  of  their  country,  we  shall  be  loaded  with  a 
double  share  of  shame  and  infamy,  if  we  do  not  acquit 


76  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177b 

ourselves  with  courage,  and  manifest  a  determined 
resolution  to  conquer  or  die.  With  the  hope  and  con- 
ridenee  that  this  army  will  have  an  equal  share  of 
honour  and  success,  the  General  most  earnestly  ex- 
horts everj-  officer  and  soldier  to  pay  the  utmost  atten- 
tion to  his  arias  and  health  ;  to  have  the  former  in  tha 
brst  order  for  action,  and  by  cleanliness  anJ  care  to 
preserve  the  latter  ;  to  bo  exact  in  their  discipline 
obedient  to  their  superiours,  and  vigilant  on  duty. 
With  such  preparations  and  a  suitable  spirit,  there  can 
be  no  doubt  but,  by  the.  Messing  of  heaven,  wo  shall  re- 
pel our  cruel  invaders;,  preserve  our  country,  and  gain 
the  greatest  honour." 

In'the  immediate  view  of  the  arduous  conflict,  the 
General  once  more  endeavoured  to  inspire  his  army 
with  the  heroism  necessary  successfully  to  sustain  it. 

"  The  enemy's  whole  reinforcement  is  now  arrived," 
said  he,  "  so  that  an  attack  must,  and  soon  will  be 
made.  The  General  therefore  again  repeats  his  ear- 
nest request,  that  every  officer  and  soldier  will  have 
his  arms  and  ammnnition  in  good  order  ;  keep  within 
his  quarters  and  encampment,  as  innch  as  possible  ;  be 
ready  for  action  at  a  moment's  call ;  and  when  called 
to  it,  remember,  that  liberty,  property,  life,  and  honour 
arc  all  at  stake  ;  that  upon  their  courage  and  conduct, 
rest  the  hopes  of  their  bleeding  and  insulted  country  ; 
that  their  wives,  children,  and  parents,  expec^  safety 
from  them  alone  ,  and  that  we  have  every  reason  to 
believe  that  heaven  will  crown  with  success  so  just  a 
cause. 

"  The  enemy  will  endeavour  to  intimiclate  by  show 
and  appearance  ;  but  remem'oer,  they  have  been  re 
pulsed  on  various  occasions,  by  a  few  brave  Ameri- 
cans. Their  cause  is  bad  ;  their  men  are  conscious  of 
it ;  and  if  opposed  with  firmness  and  coolness  on  theii 
first  onset,  with  our  advantage  of  works,  and  know 
ledge  of  the  ground,  the  victory  most  assuredly  is  ours. 
Every  good  soldier  will  be  silent  and  attentive,  wait 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  77 

for  orders,  and  reserve  his  fire  until  he  is  sure  of  doing 
execution ;  of  this  the  officers  are  to  be  particularly 
careful." 

The  possession  of  Long  Isiand  is  essential  to  the 
defence  of  New- York.  It  had  been  determined  in  a 
Council  of  war,  to  fortify  a  camp  at  Brooklyn,  front 
ing- New- York  ;  and  stretching  across  that  end  of  Long 
Island,  from  East  river  to  Gowan's  cove.  The  rear  of 
this  encampment  was  defended  by  batteries  on  Red  Hook 
and  Governour's  Island,  and  by  works  on  East  River, 
which  secured  the  communication  with  the  city.  In 
front  of  the  encampment,  ran  a  range  of  hills  from 
east  to  west  across  the  island.  These  were  covered 
with  wood,  and  were  steep,  but  could  any  where  be 
ascended  by  infantry.  Over  this  range  were  three 
passes,  leading  by  three  roads  to  Brooklyn  ferry. 

A  strong  detachment  of  the  American  army  was 
posted  on  Long  Island,  under  the  command  of  General 
Greene,  who  made  himself  intimately  acquainted  with 
the  passes  on  the  hills  ;  but  unfortunately  becoming 
sick,  General  Sullivan  succeeded  him  in  this  command 
only  a  few  days  before  active  operations  commenced. 
The  main  body  of  the  Americar  army  remained  on 
York  Island.  A  flying  camp,  composed  of  militia,  was 
formed  at  Amboy,  to  preveitt  the  depredations  of  the 
enemy  in  New- Jersey  ;  and  a  force  was  stationed  near 
New  Rochelle,  and  at  East  and  West  Chester  on  the 
Sound,  to  check  the  progress  of  the  enemy,  should 
they  attempt  to  land  above  King's  bridge,  and  enclose 
the  Americans  on  York  Island.  The  head  quarters  oi' 
General  WASHINGTON  were  in  the  city,  but  he  was 
daily  over  at  Brooklyn  to  inspect  the  state  of  that  camp, 
and  to  make  the  best  arrangements  circumstance* 
would  admit. 

An  immediate  attack  being  expected  on  Long  Isl- 
and, General  Sullivan  was  reinforced,  and  directed 
tarefully  to  watch  the  passes. 

On  the  26th  the  main  body  of  the  British  troops 


T8  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [J77b 

with  *  large  detachment  of  Germans^  landed  undex 
cover  of  the  ships,  on  the  south  western  extremity  of 
Long  Island.  A  regiment  of  militia  stationed  on  the 
coast,  retreated  before  them  to  the  heights.  A  large 
reinforcement  was  sent  to  the  cam])  at  Brooklyn,  and 
the  command  of  the  post  given  to  General  Putnam, 
who  was  particular'y  charged  to  guard  the  woods,  and 
to  hold  himself  constantly  prepared  to  meet  the  assault 
of  the  enemy. 

On  the  same  day,  the  British,  in  three  divisions,  took 
post  upon  the  south  skirt  of  the  wood  ;  General  Grant 
upon  their  left,  near  the  coast ;  the  German  General 
de  Heister  in  the  centre  at  Flatbush  ;  and  General 
Clinton  upon  their  right  at  Flatland.  The  range  of 
hills  only  now  separated  the  two  armies,  and  the  dif- 
ferent posts  of  the  British  were  distant  from  the 
American  camp,  from  four  to  six  miles.  Upon  their 
left,  a  road  to  Brooklyn  lay  along  the  coast  by  Gowan's 
cove,  before  General  Grant's  division.  From  Flatbush 
a  direct  road  .ran  to  the  American  camp,  in  which  the 
Germans  might  proceed.  General  Clinton  might 
either  unite  with  the  Germans,  or  take  a  more  eastern 
route,  and  fall  into  the  Jamaica  road  by  the  way  of 
Bediord.  These  three  roads  unite  near  Brooklyn. 
On  the  pass  at  Flatbush,  the  Americans  had  thrown 
up  a  small  redoubt,  mounted  it  with  artillery,  and 
manned  it  with  a  body  of  troops.  Major  General  Sul 
livan  continued  to  command  on  the  heights. 

In  the  evening,  General  Clinton,  without 
AUG  26.  beat  of  drum,  inarched  with  the  infantry  of 
his  division,  a  party  of  light  horse,  and  four- 
teen field  pieces,  to  gain  the  defile  on  the  Jamaica 
road.  A  few  hours  before  day,  he  surprised  an  Ameri 
can  party  stationed  here  to  give  the  alarm  of  an  ap- 
proaching enemy,  and  undiscovered  by  Sullivan  seizeq 
the  pass  At  day  light  he  passed  the  heights,  and 
descended  into  the  plain  on  the  side  of  Brooklyn 
Early  in  the  morning,  General  de  Heisier,  at  Flatbueih, 


/77G.]  LIFE  OF  WASHIISGTON  78 

Itu!  General  Grant  upon  the  west  coast,  opened  a  can- 
nonade upon  the  American  troops,  and  began  to  ascend 
the  hill  ;  but  they  moved  very  slowly,  as  their  object 
was  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  American  commander 
from  his  left,  and  give  General  Clinton  opportunity  to 
gain  the  rea'r  of  the  American  troops  stationed  on  the 
heights.  General  Putnam,  in  the  apprehension  that 
the  serious  att  ick  would  be  made  by  de  Heister  and 
Grant,  sent  detachments  to  reinforce  General  Sullivan 
and  Lord  Sterling  at  the  defiles,  through  which  those 
divisions  of  the  enemy  were  approaching.  When 
General  Clinton  had  passed  the  left  flank  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, about  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  27th, 
de  Heister  and  Grant  vigorously  ascended  the  hill ; 
the  troops  which  opposed  them,  bravely  maintained 
their  ground,  until  they  learned  their  perilous  situation 
from  the  British  columns,  which  were  gaming  their 
rear. 

As  soon  as  the  American  left  discovered  the  progress 
of  General  Clinton,  they  attempted  to  return  to  the 
camp  at  Brooklyn  ;  but  their  flight  was  stopped  by  the 
front  of  the  British  column.  In  the  mean  time,  the 
Germans  pushed  forward  from  Flatbush,  and  the  troops 
in  the  American  centre,  under  the  immediate  com- 
mand of  General  Sullivan,  having  also  discovered  that 
their  flank  was  turned,  and  that  the  enemy  was  gain- 
ing their  rear,  in  haste  retreated  towards  Brooklyn 
Clinton's  columns  continuing  to  advance,  intercepted 
them,  they  were  attacked  in  front  and  rear,  and  alter 
nately  driven  by  the  British  on  the  Germans,  and  by 
the  Germans  on  the  British.  Desperate  as  their  situa 
ti  -i  was,  some  regiments  broke  through  the  enemy 't 
columns  and  regained  the  fortified  camp  ;  but  most  of 
the  detachments  upon  t)  e  American  left  and  centre 
were  either  killed  or  taken  prisoners. 

The  detachment  on  the  American  right,  undor  Lcrd 
Sterling,  behaved  well,  and  maintained  a  severe  con 
flict  with  General  Grant  for  six  hours,  until  the  van  o/ 


80  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

General  Clinton's  division,  having  crossed  the  whola 
island,  gained  their  rear.  Lord  Sterling  perceived  his 
danger,  and  four,  j  that  his  troops  could  be  saved  only 
by  an  immediate  retreat  ovef  a  creek  near  the  cove 
He  gave  orders  to  this  purpose  ;  and,  to  facilitate  their 
execution,  he  in  person  attacked  Lord  Cornwall's,  who, 
by  this  time  having  gained  the  coast,  had  posted  a 
small  corps  in  a  house,  just  above  the  p'ace  where  the 
American  troops  must  pass  the  creek.  The  attack 
was  bravely  made  with  four  hundred  men,  who,  in  the 
opinion  of  their  commander,  were  upon  the  point  of 
dislodging  Cornwallis  ;  but  his  Lordship  being  rein 
forced  from  his  own  column,  and  General  Grant  at- 
tacking Loru  Sterling  in  the  rear,  this  brave  band 
was  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  those  who  survived 
were  compelled  to  surrender  themselves  prisoners  of 
war ;  but  this  spirited  assault  gave  opportunity  for  a 
large  proportion  of  the  detachment  to  escape. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  on  this  occasion,  for  the 
number  engaged,  was  great;  General  WASHINGTON 
stated  it  at  a  thousand  men  ;  but  his  returns  probably 
included  only  the  regular  regiments.  General  Howe, 
in  an  official  letter,  made  the  prisoners  amount  to  one 
thousand  and  ninety-seven.  Among  these  were  Major 
General  Sullivan,  and  Brigadier  Generals  Sterling  and 
Woodhull.  The  amount  of  the  killed  was  never  with 
precision  ascertained.  Numbers  were  supposed  to  have 
been  drowned  in  the  creek,  and  some  to  have  perished 
in  the  mud  on  the  marsh.  The  British  loss  acknow- 
edged  by  General  Howe,  was  twenty-one  officers,  and 
three  .mndred  and  forty-six  privates  killed,  wounded, 
and  taken. 

General  WASHINGTON  passed  over  to  Brooklyn  in 
the  beat  of  the  action  ;  but  unable  to  rescue  his  men 
fron.  their  perilous  situation,  was  constrained  to  be  the 
inactive  spectator  of  the  slaughter  orhis  best  troops. 

At  the  close  of  the  day,  the  British  approached  in 
(ront  ot  the  Amencan  works,  and  it  has  been  said,  that 


177(5.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  8t 

the  troops,  m  their  ardour,  exhibited  a  strong  inclina- 
tion to  storm  the  lines :  but  General  Howe,  remem- 
bering Bunker  Hill,  prudently  restrained  them  from 
the  assault. 

Determining  to  carry  the  American  works  by  regu 
lar  approaches,  the  British  commander  broke  ground, 
on  the  night  of  tho  adlh,  within  six  hundred  yards  of 
a  redoubt. 

General  WASHINGTON  was  fully  sensible  of  the  dan- 
ger that  awaited  him.  The  success  of  the  enemy  by 
regular  approaches  was  certain.  His  troops  were  with- 
out tents,  and  had  already  suffered  extremely  by  heavy 
rains.  The  movements  of  the  British  fleet  indicated 
an  intention  to  force  a  passage  into  the  East,  river,  and 
cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  troops  to  the  city.  Should 
tney  accomplish  this,  the  situation  of  the  army  on 
Long  Island  would  be  desperate.  An  immediate  re- 
treat to  the  city  was  therefore  thought  expedient.  The 
measure  was  happily  accomplished,  on  the  night  of 
tho  &)th,  with  all  the  stores,  and  military  apparatus, 
except  a  few  pieces  of  heavy  artillery,  which  the  soft- 
ness of  the  ground  rendered  it  impossible  to  move. 

This  important  retreat  was  made  with  so  much  si- 
lence and  address,  that  the  enemy  did  not  perceive  it, 
although  so  near  that  the  noise  of  their  intrenching 
tools  was  distinctly  heard  by  the  Americans.  A  heavy 
fog  hung  over  Long  Island  until  late  in  the  morning 
of  the  30th,  which  hid  the  movements  of  the  Ameri- 
can army  from  General  Howe.  When  it  cleared, 
the  rear  guard  was  seen  crossing  East  river,  out  of 
reach  of  the  Brit  is  i  fire.  The  General  in  person  in- 
spected the  details  of  this  critical  retreat  ;  and  for  the 
fifty-eight  hours,  which  preceded  its  completion,  in 
Mb  own  language,  he  was  "  hardly  off  his  horse,  and 
rfSver  closed  his  eyes."  He  did  not  leave  the  island 
before  the  covering  party  marched  from  the  lines. 

The  attempt,  to  defem"  Long  Island  has  by  many 
been  considered,  as  an  errour  in  the  military  opera 


8'J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776 

tions  of  the  American  General.  But  before  his  judg 
ment,  in  this  instance,  is  condemned,  the  reasons  which 
led  to  if.  ought  tc  be  weighed.  Its  possession  waa 
highly  important  to  cither  army  ;  its  situation  render- 
ed its  defence,  in  a  good  degree,  probable  ;  the  range 
of  hills  was  favourable  to  the  obstruction  of  an  invad- 
ing enemy  ;  and  a  fortified  camp  in  the  rear  opening 
a  communication  with  the  city,  and  supported  by  bat- 
teries on  Gorernour's  Island  and  the  East  river,  ren- 
dered a  retreat  practicable,  when  circumstances  should 
make  it  necessary.  There  was  then  a  fair  prospect  of 
defending  the  island  ;  at  least  of  detaining  the  enemy 
so  long  in  the  effort  to  gain  possession  of  it,  as  to  waste 
the  campaign  in  the  contention.  The  disastrous  con- 
sequences of  this  measure,  are  not  to  be  attributed  to 
any  defect  in  the  original  plan,  but  to  the  neglect  of 
the  commanding  officer  on  the  island  in  guarding  the 
pass  on  the  road  from  Jamaica  to  Bedford.  Unfortu- 
nately this  officer  was  changed  at  the  time,  when  hos- 
tilities were  about  to  commence  ;  and  the  General, 
who  directed  the  disposition  of  the  troops  on  the  day 
of  the  action,  was  imperfectly  acquainted  with  the 
passes  in  the  mountains.  General  WASHINGTON,  by 
written  instructiens,  directed  this  officer  "  Particularly 
to  guard  the  defiles  in  the  woods,  and  to  render  the 
approach  of  the  enemy  through  them  as  difficult  as 
possible."  This  order  was  not  fully  executed.  It  ap- 
pears, that  General  Sullivan  was  not  apprized  of  the. 
march  of  the  British  detachment  from  Flatbush  to 
Flatland,  on  the  evening  of  the  2(>th,  and  a  guard  on 
the  Jamaica  road  did  not  seasonably  discover  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy  to  give  informption.  General 
Howe, in  his  official  letter,  mentioned, that  an  American 
patroling  party  was  taken  on  this  road ;  and  Genei^ 
WASHINGTON  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  wrote,  "  This  mkB 
FortuHC  happened  in  a  great  measure,  by  two  detach- 
ments of  our  people,  who  we-e  posted  in  two  roads 
leading  through  a  wood  to  intercept  the  enemy  in  their 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  &J 

march,  suffering  a  surprise,  and  making  a  precipitate 
retreat." 

It  should  also  be  recollected,  that  the  plans  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief,  were  laid  in  the  expectation  of 
a  much  larger  force,  than  in  -tho-  event  he  realized. 
The  regiments  were  not  complete  ;  and  he  was  abs> 
lutejy  destitute  of  cavalry.  There  was  not  a  single 
company  of  horse  on  Long  Island  to  watch  the  mo- 
tions of  the  enemy,  and  give  information  of  their 
movements.  This  furnishes  some  apology  for  the  ig- 
norance of  the  commanding  officer  on  Long  Island, 
respecting  the  manoeuvre  of  the  enemy. 

The  defeat  of  the  27th  made  a  most  unfavourable 
impression  upon  the  army.  A  great  proportion  of 
the  troops  lost  their  confidence  in  their  office)  s,  and  in 
themselves.  Before  this  unfortunate  event,  they  met 
the  enemy  in  the  spirit  of  freemen,  fighting  for  their 
highest  interests,  and  under  the  persuasion,  that  their 
thorough  use  of  arms,  rendered  them  equal  to  live  dis- 
ciplined battalions  which  they  were  to  oppose.  But, 
on  Ihis  -occasion,  by  evolutions,  which  the}'  did  not 
.comprehend,  they  found  themselves  encompassed  with 
difficulties,  from  which  their  utmost  exertions  could 
not  extricate,  and  involved  in  dangers,  from  which 
their  bravery  could  not  deliver  them  ;  and  entertaining 
a  high  opinion  of  the  adroitness  of  the  enemy,  in 
every  movement,  they  apprehended  a  fatal  snare. 

These  melancholy  facts  were  thus  narrated  by-Gene 
ral  WASHINGTON,  in  his  letter  to  Congress.  "  Our 
situation  is  truly  distressing.  The  check  our  detach- 
ment sustained  on  the  527th  ultimo,  has  dispirited  too 
great  a  proportion  of  our  troops,  and  filled  their  minds 
with  apprehension  and  despair.  The  militia,  instead 
of  calling  forth  their  utmost  efforts  to  a  brave  and 
manly  opposition,  in  order  to  repair  our  losses,  are  dis 
roayed,  intractable,  and  impatient  to  return.  Great 
numbers  of  them  have  gone  off — in  some  instances, 
almost  by  whole  regiments  by  half  ones,  and  by  com- 


64  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

ponies  at  a  time.  This  circumstance,  of  itself,  inde 
pendent  of  others,  when  fronted  by  a  well  appointed 
enemy,  superiour  in  number  to  our  whole  collected 
force,  would  be  sufficiently  disagreeable  :  but  when 
their  example  has  infected  another  part  of  the  army  ; 
when  their  want  of  discipline,  and  refusal  of  almost 
every  kind  of  restraint  and  government,  have  produced 
a  like  conduct,  but  too  common  to  the  whole,  and  an 
entire  disregard  of  that  order  and  subordination  neces- 
sary to  the  well  doing  of  au  army,  and  which  had  been 
inculcated  before,  as  well  as  the  nature  of  our  military 
establishment  would  admit  of,  our  condition  is  still 
more  a.larming  ;  and  with  the  deepest  concern  I  am 
obliged  to  confess  my  want  of  confidence  in  the  gene- 
rality of  the  troops." 

The  British  General  being  in  possession  of  Long 
Island,  prepared  to  attack  New-York.  The  body  of 
the  fleet  lay  at  anchor  near  Governour's  Island  ;  but 
particular  ships  passed  up  the  East  river,  without  sus- 
taining injury  from  the  American  batteries  ;  others, 
sailing  round  Long  Island  into  the  Sound,  passed  up 
to  the  higher  part  of  York  Island.  By  these  move- 
ments, the  bituation  of  the  American  army  became 
critical.  It  was  uncertain  whether  the  attack  would 
bo  made  upon  the  linns,  or  whether  General  Howe 
would  land  his  troops  above  King's  bridge,  and  en- 
close the  Americans.  To  guard  against  the  danger 
which  threatened  hjm,  the  Commander  in  Chief  or- 
dered the  stores,  that  were  not  of  present  necessity, 
to  be  removed  above  King's  bridge,  and  assembled  a 

Council  to  determine  upon  the  expediency 
SEPT.  7.  of  retreating  from  the  city.  The  majority  of 

his  general  officers  voted  against  the  imme- 
diate evacuation  of  New- York.  The  plan  recommend- 
ed was  to  station  the  army  in  the  best  manner,  to  de- 
fend the  points  menaced  with  attack,  that  the  enemy 
might  waste  the  residue  of  the  season  in  the  struggle 
lo  possess  York  Island.  The  belief  that  Congress  de- 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  8ft 

sired  that  New-York  should  he  maintained  to  extromi- 
tj,  probably  had  influence  on  this  Council.  In  com- 
municating the  adopted  plan  to  that  body,  General 
WASHINGTON  clearly  indicated  an  opinion,  that  an 
immediate  evacuation  of  New- York  was  expedient. 
Speaking  of  the  enemy,  he  observed, 

•'•  It  is  now  extremely  obvious,  from  all  intelligence, 
from  their  movements,  and  every  other  circumstance, 
that  having  landed  their  whole  army  on  Long  Island, 
(except  about  four  thousand  en  Stateri  Island)  they  mean 
to  enclose  us  on  the  Island  of  New-York,  by  taking 
post  in  our  rear,  while  the  shipping  effectually  secure 
the  front ;  and  thus,  either  by  cutting  off  our  commu 
nication  with  the  country,  eblige  us  to  fight  them  on 
their  own  terms,  or  surrender  at  discretion,  or,  by  a 
brilliant  stroke,  endeavour  to  cut  this  army  in  pieces 
and  secure  the  collection  of  arms  and  stores,  which 
they  well  know  we  shall  not  be  able  soon  to  replace. 

"  Having,  therefore,  their  system  unfolded  to  us,  it 
became  an  important  consideration,  how  it  would  be 
most  successfully  opposed.  On.every  side  there  is  a 
choice  of  difficulties  ;  and  every  measure,  on  our  part 
(however  painful  the  reflection  be  from  experience;  to 
be  formed  with  some  apprehension  that  all  our  troops 
will  not  do  their  duty.  In  deliberating  on  this  great 
question,  it  was  impossible  to  forget,  that  history,  our 
own  experience,  the  advice  of  our  ablest  friends  in 
Europe,  the  fears  of  the  enemy,  and  even  the  declara- 
tions of  Congress,  demonstrate,  that  on  our  side,  the 
war  should  be  defensive — (it  has  ever  been  cal.'ed  a 
war  of  posts) — that  we  should  on  all  occasions  avoid  a 
general  action,  nor  put  any  thing  to  the  risk,  unlesi 
compelled  by  a  necessity  into  which  we  ought  never 
to  be  drawn. 

"  It  was  concludedvto  arrange  the  army  under  thiee 
divisions  ;  five  thousand  to  remain  for  tne  defence  of 
the  city ;  nine  thousand  to  King's  bridge  and  its  de- 
pendences, as  well  to  possess  and  secure  those  posts; 

VOL.  I.  8 


~i-- 


86  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

as  to  be  ready  to  attack  the  enemy  who  are  moving 
eastward  on  Long:  Island,  if  they  should  attempt  to 
land  on  this  side  ;  the  remainder  to  occupy  the  intei  • 
mediate  space,  and  support  either  ;  that  the  sick  should 
be  immediately  removed  to  Orangetown,  and  barracks 
prepared  at  King's  bridge  with  all  possible  expedition 
to  cover  the  troops. 

"  There  were  some  general  officers,  in  whose  judg 
ment  and  opinion,  much  conhdtnce  Ls  to  be  reposed, 
that  were  for  a  total  and  immediate  removal  from  the 
city,  urging  the  great  danger  of  one  part  of  the  army 
being  cut  off  before  the  other  can  support  it,  the  ex- 
tremities being  at  least  sixteen  mile*  apart ;  that  our 
army,  when  collected,  is  inferiour  to  the  enemy  ;  that 
they  can  move  with  their  whole  force  to  any  point  of 
attack,  and  consequently  must  succeed  by  weight  of 
numbers,  if  they  have  only  a  part  to  oppose  them; 
that,  by  removing  from  hence,  we  ueprive  the  enemy 
of  the  advantage  of  their  ships,  which  will  make  at 
least  otic  half  of  the  force  to  attack  the  town  ;  that 
we  should  keep  the  enemy  at  bay,  put  nothing  to  the 
hazard,  but  at  all  events,  keep  tne  army  together,  which 
may  be  recruited  another  year ;  that  the  unspent 
stores  will  also  be  preserved  ;  and,  in  this  case,  the 
heavy  artillery  can  alao  be  secured." 

In  the  full  expectation  that  a  retreat  from  York 
Island  would  soon  become  necessary,  the  General  as- 
siduously continued  the  removal  of  the  stores  and 
heavy  baggage  to  a  place  of  safety. 

Tho  General  officers  became  alarmed  at 
SEPT.  12.    the  danger  of  tho   army,  and,  in  a  second 
Council,   determined    to   remove   it   from 
New-York. 

On  the  fourteenth,  several  British  ships  passed  up 
the  East  river,  and  large  Bodies  of  troops  were  moved 
to  Montezore's  Island  with  tho  apparent  intention  to 
lani'  either  upon  the  continent  above  King's  bridge, 
and  wholly  to  enclose  the  Americans,  or  upon  tin 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  8T 

plains  of  Haerlem  on  York  Islend,  to  break  the  line 
of  communication  between  the  different  divisions  of 
their  army,  and  attack  them  in  situations,  in  which 
they  would  be  unable  to  support  each  othrr.  The  next 
morning  General  Clinton  landed-  under  cover  of  fiva 
men  of  war,  with  four  thousand  men,  three  miles 
above  the  city  of  New-York. 

The  American  line*  at  this  place  were 
SEPT.  14.  capable  of  defence,  but  the  men  posted  in 
them,  on  the  firing  of  the  ships,  without 
waiting  for  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  abandoned  them. 
As  soon  as  the  cannonading  began,  two  brigades  were 
detached  from  the  main  body  to  support  the  troops  in 
the  breast  works,  the  fugitives  communicated  to  them 
their  paiiic.i,  and  General  WASHINGTON,  in  riding  to 
the  scene  of  action,  met  his  troops  retreating  in  the 
utmost  confusion,  disregarding  the  efforts  of  their 
Generals  to  stop  them.  While  the  Commander  in 
Chief  was,  with  some  effect,  exerting  himself  to  rally 
them,  a  very  small  body  of  the  enemy  appeared  ba 
sight,  on  which  the  men  again  broke,  and  a  most  das- 
tardly route  ensued.  At  this  unfortunate  moment,  and 
only  at  this  moment  through  his  whole  life,  General 
WASHINGTON  appears  to  have  lost  his  fortitude.  All 
the  shameful  and  disastrous  consequences  of  the  de- 
fection of  his  army,  rushed  upon  his-  mind,  and  bore 
down  his  spirits.  In  a  paroxysm  of  despair,  he  turned 
his  horse  towards  the  enemy,  seemingly  with  the  in- 
tention to  avoid  the  disgrace  of  the  day  by  the  sacri- 
fice of  his  life  :  his  aids  seized  the  horse's  bridle,  and, 
with  friendly  violence,  rescued  him  from  the  destruc- 
tion that  awaited  him. 

In  consequence  of  the  failure  of  the  troops  upon  the 
lines,  the  evacuation  of  New- York  was  necessarily  made 
in  haste.  It  was  happily  accomplished  with  the  loss  of 
very  few  men  ;  but  most  of  the  heavy  artillery,  many  of 
the  tents,  and  a  great  part  of  the  stores,  which  had  not 
been  previously  removed,  were  unavoidably  left  behind 


88  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770. 

The  American  arrny  having  been  driven  from  New- 
fork,  the  British  General  stationed  a  detachme.it  to 
guard  the  city  ;  and  posted  his  main  army  in  front  of 
the  American  lines  on  the  north  end  of  York  island. 
Their  right  extended  to  the  East,  and  their  left  to  tho 
North  river ;  and  both  their  flanks  were  covered  by 
ships  of  war.  The  island  at  Bloomingdals,  the  place 
of  the  British  encampment,  is  two  miles  wide. 

The  strongest  post  of  the  Americans  was  at  King's 
bridge,  which  secured  their  communication  with  the 
country.  M'Gowan's  pass,  and  Morn's  heights  were 
also  rendered  defensible ;  and  within  a  mile  and 
a  half  of  the  enemy,  a  detachment  was  posted  in  a 
fortified  camp,  on  the  heights  of  Haerlem.  The  Com- 
mander in  Chief  was  pleased  with  this  deposition  ot' 
his  army  ;  he  thought  it  must  lead  to  those  frequent 
skirmishes,  which  would  insensibly  wear  off  the  de- 
pression occasioned  by  the  late  defeat,  and  restore  to 
his  men  confidence  in  themselves.  He  indulged  the 
hope  thai  by  these  services,  the  discipline  would  ba  in- 
troduced into  the  army,  absolutely  necessary  to  suc- 
cessful war,  when  every  individual  does  his  aj*f>ro- 
priate  duty,  confiding  for  his  security  in  the  skill 
of  his  General,  and  in  the  united  efforts  of  his  fellow 
soldiers. 

The  very  day  after  the  retreat  from  the 
SEPT.  16.  city,  a  party  of  the  enemy  appeared  in  tne 
piain  between  the  two  hostile  camps.  The 
General  rode  to  the  outpost  to  embrace  the  opportuni- 
ty to  attack  them.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Kuowlton,  of 
Connecticut,  a  brave  officer,  who  had  been  skirmish- 
ing with  the  party,  stated  their  number  at  three  hun 
dred.  The  General  detached  Colonel  Knowlton  and 
Major  Leitch,  of  Virginia,  to  gain  their  rear,  while  he 
occupied  their  attention  by  movements  indicating  a 
design  to  attack  them  in  front.  Colonel  Knowltop 
and  Major  Leitch,  after  leading  their  corps  into  action 
in  a  most  soidier-like  manner,  were  both  suon  'ur^agnt 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  89 

off  the  field  mortally  wounded  ;  yet  the  men  under 
their  Captains,  bravely  continued  the  attack,  and  drove 
an  enemy,  superiour  in  numbers,  from  their  position. 
The  Americans  had  iifty  men  killed  and  wounded,  and 
the  British  twice  that  number. 

This  skirmish,  trifling -in  itself,  was  improved  to 
valuable  purposes.  The  Commander  in  Chief  in  gene- 
ral orders,  applauded  the  braver"  of  officers  and  rnen  ; 
contrasted  it  with  the  cowardly  behaviour  of  the  troops 
the  day  before  ;  called  upon  the  whole  army  to  emu- 
late this  honourable  example  ;  and  from  the  issue  of 
this  conflict,  pointed  out  what  brave  men  might  effect, 
when  fighting  in  the  best  of  causes.  1  no  parole  next 
day  was  Leitch.  In  filling  the  vacancy  occasioned 
by  the  death  of  the  Colonel,  the  General  mentioned 
that  the  officer  succeeded  "  the  gallant  and  brave  Colo- 
nel Knowlton,  who  would  have  been  an  honour  to  any 
country,  and  who  had  fallen  gloriously  fighting  et  his 
post."  The  success  of  this  rencounter  had  a  general 
effect  upon  the  spirits  of  the  army. 

In  addition  to  the  arduous  duties  of  this  campaign, 
which  were  sufficient  to  employ  the  time,  and  test  the 
talents  of  the  greatest  military  character  ;  the  state  of 
the  army  furnished  a  weighty  subject  of  attention  to 
General  WASHINGTON.  He  dwelt  upon  the  gloomy 
prospects  of  the  succeeding  winter.  The  clothing  of 
the  men  was  suited  only  to  the  warm  season,  and  their 
time  of  enlistment  expired  with  the  year.  The  con- 
sequent distresses  in  all  their  magnitude  rose  to  his 
mind,  and  in  the  following  letter,  he  endeavoured  to 
impress  Congress  with  a  lively  sense  of  the  situation 
of  the  army  ;  and  to  call  forth  their  highest  endea- 
vours to  arrest  the  approaching  evUs. 

"  From  the  hours  allotted  to  sleep,  I  will  borrow  a 
*ew  moments  to  convey  my  thoughts  on  sundry  im- 
portant matters,  to  Congress.  I  shall  ofier  them  with 
the  sincerity  'vhich  ought  to  characterize  p  man  of 
.candour  ;  and  with  the  freedom  which  may  bo  used  in 
8» 


W  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

giving  useful  information,  without  incurring  the  im- 
putation of  presumption. 

"  We  arc  now,  as  it  were,  upon  the  ere  of  another 
dissolution  of  our  army.  The  remembrance  of  the 
difficulties  which  happened  upon  that  occasion  last 
year  ;  the  consequences  which  might  have  followed 
the  change,  if  proper  advantage  had  l>eer.  taken  by  the 
enemy  ;  added  to  a  knowledge  of  the  present  temper 
and  situation  of  the  troops,  reflect  but  a  very  gloomy 
prospect  upon  the  appearance  of  things  now,  and  sa- 
tisiy  me,  beyond  the  possibility  of  doub4,  that  unless 
Borne  speedy  and  effectual  measures  are  adopted  by 
Congress,  our  cause  will  be  lost. 

"  It  is  in  vain  to  expect  that  any,  or  more  than  a 
trifling  part,  of  this  army  will  engage  again  in  the 
service,  on  the  encouragement  offered  by  Congress. 
When  men  find  that  their  townsmen  and  companions 
are  receiving  twenty,  thirty,  and  more  dollars,  for  a 
few  mouths'  service  (which  is  truly  the  case)- this  can 
not  be  expected  without  using  compulsion  ;  and  to 
force  them  into  the  service  would  answer  no  valuable 
purpose.  When  men  are  irritated,  and  their  passions 
inflamed,  they  fly  hastily  and  cheerfully  to  arms  ;  but 
after  the  rirst  emotions  are  over,  to  expect  among  such 
people  as  compose  the  bulk  of  an  army,  that  they  are 
influenced  by  any  other  principles  than  those  of  inte- 
rest, is  to  look  for  what  never  did,  and  I  fear  never 
will,  happen  ;  the  Congress  will  deceive  themselves, 
therefore,  if  they  expect  it. 

"  A  soldier,  reasoned  with  upon  the  goodness  of  the 
cause  he  is  engaged  in,  and  the  inestimable  rights  he 
is  contending  for,  hears  you  with  patience,  and  ac- 
knowledges the  truth  of  your  obsei-vations  ;  but  ndds 
that  it  is  of  no  more  consequence  to  him  than  to 
others.  The  officer  makes  you  the  same  reply,  with 
this  further  remark,  that  his  pay  will  not  support  him, 
and  he  cannot  ruin  himself  and  family  to  serve  Ida 
country  when  every  member  in  the  community  is 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  91 

equally  benefited  and  interested  by  his  labours.  The 
few,  therefore,  who  act  upon  principles  of  disinterest 
edness,  arc,  comparatively  speaking,  no  more  than  a 
dn»p  in  the  ocean.  It  becomes  evidently  clear  then, 
that,  as  this  contest  is  not  likely  to  be  the  work  of  a 
day  ;  as  the  war  must  be  carried  on  systematically, 
and  to  do  it  you  must  have  good  officers ;  there  is, 
in  my  judgment,  no  other  possible  means  to  obtain 
thorn,  but  by  establishing  your  army  upon  a  perma- 
nent footing,  and  giving  your  officers  good  pay  ;  this 
will  induce  gentlemen,  and  men  of  character  to  engage, 
and  until  the  bulk  of  your  officers  are  composed  of 
such  persons  as  are  actuated  by  principles  of  honour 
and  a  spirit  of  enterprise,  you  have  little  to  expect 
from  them.  They  ought  to  have  such  allowances,  as 
will  enable  them  to  live  like,  and  support  the  charac- 
ters of  gentlemen  ;  and  not  to  be  driven  by  a  scanty 
pittance  to  the  low  and  dirty  arts  which  many  of  them 
practice,  to  filch  the  publick  of  more  than  the  differ- 
ence of  pay  would  amount  to,  upon  an  ample  allow- 
ance. Besides,  something  is  due  to  the  ma4i  who  puts 
his  life  in  your  hands,  hazards  his  health,  and  forsakes 
the  sweets  of  domestick  enjoyments.  Why  a  captain 
in  the  continental  service  should  receive  no  more  than 
five  shillings  currency  per  day,  for  performing  the 
same  duties  that  .an  officer  of  the  same  rank  in  the 
British  service  receives  ten  shillings  sterling  for,  I 
never  could  conceive  ;  especially  when  the  latter  is 
provided  with  every  thing  necessary  he  requires  upon 
the  best  terms,  and  the  former  can  scarcely  procure 
them  at  any  rate.  There  is  nothing  that  gives  a  man 
consequence,  and  renders  him  fit  for  command,  like  a 
support  that  renders  him  inHependent  of  every  body 
but  the  state  he  serves. 

"  With  respect  to  the  men,  nothing  but  a  good  boun- 
ty can  obtain  them  upon  a  permanent  establishment, 
and  for  no  shorter  time  than  the  continuance  of  the 
war,  ought  they  to  be  engaged  ;  as  facts  incontestably 


!W  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177t> 

prove,  that  the  difficulty  and  cost  of  enlistments  in- 
crease with  time.  When  the  army  \vas  first  raised  at 
Cambridge,  I  am  persuaded  the  men  might  have  been 
got  without  a  bounty  for  the  war  ;  after  that,  they  be- 
gan to  see  that  the  contest  was  not  likely  to  end  so 
speedily  as  was  imagined,  and  to  feel  their  .conse- 
quence by  remarking,  that  to  get  their  militia  in,  in  the 
course  of  last  year,  many  towns  were  induced  to  give 
them  a  bounty.  Foreseeing  the  evils  resulting  from 
this,  and  the  destructive  consequences  which  would 
unavoidably  follow  short  enlistments,  I  took  the  liberty 
in  a  long  letter,  to  recommend  the  enlistments  for  and 
during  the  war,  assigning  such  reasons  for  it,  as  ex- 
perience has  since  convinced  me  were  well  founded 
At  that  time,  twenty  dollars  would,  I  am  persuaded, 
have  engaged  the  men  for  this  term :  but  it  will  not 
do  to  look  back,  and  if  the  piesent  opportunity  be 
slipped,  I  am  persuaded  that  twelve  months  more  will 
increase  our  difficulties  four-fold.  I  shall  therefore 
take  the  liberty  of  giving  it  as  my  opinion,  that  a  good 
bounty  be  immediately  offered,  aided  by  the  proffer  of 
at  least  a  hundred,  or  a  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land, 
and  a  suit  of  clothes,  and  a  blanket  to  each  non-com 
missioned  officer  and  soldier,  as  I  have  good  authority 
for  saying,  that  however  high  the  men's  pay  may  ap- 
pear, it  is  barely  sufficient,  in  the  present  scarcity  and 
clearness  of  all  kinds  of  goods,  to  keep  them  in  clothes, 
much  less  to  afford  support  to  their  families.  If  this 
encouragement  then  be  given  to  the  men,  and  such 
pay  allowed  to  the  officers,  as  will  induce  gentlemen 
of  liberal  character  and  liberal  sentiments  to  engage, 
and  proper  care  and  caution  be  usert  in  the  nomination 
(having  more  regard  to  the  character  of  persons,  than 
the  number  of  men  they  can  enlist)  we  should  in  a 
little  time  have,  an  army  able  to  cope  with  any  that 
can  be  opposed  to  it,  as  there  are  excellent  materials  to 
form  one  out  of ;  but  while  the  only  merit  an  officci 
possesses  is  his  ability  to  raise  men  ;  while  those  me  a 


177fi.i          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  93 

cons.der  and  treat  him  as  an  equal,  and  in  the  charac- 
ter of  an  officer,  regard  him  no  more  than  a  broom- 
stick,  being  mixed  together  as  one  common  herd  ;  no 
order  nor  discipline  can  prevail,  nor  will  the  officer 
ever  meet  with  that  respect  which  is  essentially  ne 
eessary  to  due  subordination. 

"  To  place  uny  dependence  upon  militia,  is  assured- 
ly resting  upon  a  broken  staff.  Men  just  dragged  from 
the  tender  scenes  of  domestick  life  ;  unaccustomed  to 
the  din  of  arms  ;  totally  unacquainted  with  every  kind 
of  military  skill  ;  which,  being  followed  by  a  want  of 
confidence  in  themselves,  when  opposed  to  troops  regu- 
larly trained,  disciplined,  and  appointed,  superiour  in 
knowledge,  and  superiour  in  arms,  makes  them  timid 
and  ready  to  fly  frc:n  their  own  shadows.  Besides,  the 
sudden  change  in  their  manner  of  living,  particularly 
in  their  lodging,  brings  on  sickness  in  many,  impa- 
tience in  all ;  and  such  an  unconquerable  desire  of  re- 
turning to  their  respective  homes,  that  it  not  only  pro- 
duces shameful  and  scandalous  desertions  among  them- 
selves, but  infuses  the  like  spirit  in  others.  Again, 
men  accustomed  to  unbounded  freedom,  and  no  con- 
trol, cannot  brook  the  restraint  which  is  indispensably 
necessary  to  the  good  order  and  government  of  an 
army  ;  without  which,  licentiousness  and  every  kind 
of  disorder  triumphantly  reign.  To  bring  men  to  a 
proper  degree  of  subordination,  is  not  the  work  of  a 
day,  a  month,  or  a  year  ;  and  unhappily  for  us,  and 
the  cause  wo  are  engaged  in,  the  little  discipline?  I 
have  been  la>oaring  to  establish  in  the  army  under  my 
immediate  command,  is  in  a  manner  done  away  by 
having  such  a  mixture  of  troops,  as  have  been  called 
together  within  these  few  months. 

"  Relaxed  and  unfit  as  our  rules  and  regulations  sf 
war  are  for  the  government  of  an  army,  the  militia, 
(those  property  so  called,  for  of  these  we  have  two  sorts, 
the  six  months'  men,  and  those  sent  in  as  a  tempo- 
»ary  aid)  do  not  think  themselves  subject  to  them,  and 


D4  LiFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1.1770 

therefore  take  liberties  which  the  soldier  is  punished 
for.  This  creates  jealousy,  jealousy  begets  dissatis 
faction,  and  these  by  degrees  ripen  into  mutiny , 
keeping  the  whole  army  in  a  confused  and  disordered 
state  ;  rendering  the  time  of  those,  who  wish  to  sea 
regularity  and  good  order  prevail,  more  unhappy  thaw 
words  can  describe  ;  besides  this,  such  repeated 
changes  take  place,  that  all  arrangement,  is  set  at 
nought ;  and  the  constant  fluctuation  of  things  de- 
rarges  every  plan,  as  fast  as  it  is  adopted. 

"  These,  sir,  Congress  may  be  assured  are  but  a 
small  part  of  the  inconveniences  which  might  be  enu- 
merated and  attributed  to  militia  :  but  there  is  one 
which  merits  particular  attention,  and  that  is  the  ex- 
pense. Certain  I  am,  that  it  would  be  cheaper  to 
keep  fifty,  or  a  hundred  thousand  men  in  constant 
pay,  than  to  depend  upon  half  the  number,  and  supply 
the  other  half  occasionally  by  militia.  The  time  the 
latter  is  in  pay,  before  and  after  they  are  in  camp,  as- 
sembling and  marching,  the  waste  of  ammunition ; 
l.ho  consumption  of  stores  which,  in  spite  of  every 
resolution  and  requisition  of  Congress,  they  must  be 
furnished  \vith,  or  sent  home  ,  iJded  to  other  incident- 
al expenses  consequent  upon  their  coming,  and  con- 
duct in  camp,  surpass  all  idea  ;  and  destroy  every  kind 
of  regularity  and  economy,  which  you  could  establish 
amorjg  fixed  and  settled  troops  ;  and  will,  in  rny  opi 
nion,  prove  (if  the  same  be  adhered  to)  the  ruin  of  our 
cause. 

"  The  jealousies  of  a  standing  army,  and  the  evils 
to  be  apprehended  from  one,  are  remote  ;  and  in  my 
judgment,  situated  and  circumstanced  as  we  are.  not 
at  all  to  be  d/eaded  ;  but  the  consequence  of  wanting 
one,  according  to  my  ideas,  formed  upon  thb  present 
view  of  things,  is  certain  and  inevitable  ruin  ;  for  if  1 
were  called  upon  to  declare  upon  oath,  whether  thr 
militia  have  been  more  serviceable  or  hurtful  on  the 
whole,  I  should  subscribe  to  the  latter.  I  do  not  meal 


1776.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  95 

by  this,  however,  to  arraign  the  conduct  of  Congress ; 
in  so  doing,  1  should  equally  condemn  my  own  mea- 
Bures,  if  not  my  juJginer  t ;  but  experience,  which  ia 
the  best  criterion  to  work  by,  so  fully,  clearly,  and  de- 
cisively, reprobates  the  practice  of  trusting  to  miiitia, 
that  no  man  who  regards  order,  regularity,  and  econo 
my,  or  who  has  any  regard  for  his  own  honour,  charac 
ter,  or  peace  of  mind,  will  risk  them  upon  militia." 


"  Before  I  knew  of  the  late  resolutions  of  Congress 
which  you  did  me  the  honour  to  enclose  in  your  letter 
of  the  24th,  and  before  I  was  favoured  with  the  visit 
of  your  committee,  I  took  the  liberty  of  giving  you 
my  sentiments  on  several  points  which  seemed  to  be 
of  importance. 

"  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  the  committee  will  make 
such  report  of  the  state  and  condition  of  tho  army  as 
will  induce  Congress  to  believe  that  nothing  but  the 
moat  vigorous  exertions  can  put  matters  upon  such  a 
footing,  as  to  give  this  continent  a  fair  prospect  of  sue- 
'  cess.  Give  me  leave  to  say,  sir,  I  say  H  with  due 
deference  and  respect,  (and  my  knowledge  of  the  facts, 
added  to  tfie  importance  of  the  cause,  and  the  stake  I 
hold  in  it,  must  justify  the  freedom)  that  your  affairs 
are  in  a  more  unpropitious  way  than  you  seem  to  ap 
prehend. 

"  Your  army,  as  mentioned  in  my  last,  is  upon  the 
eve  of  its  political  dissolution.  True  it  is,  you  have 
voted  a  larger  one  in  lieu  of  it ;  but,  the  season  ia  late, 
and  there  is  a  material  difference  between  voting  bat- 
talions and  raising  men.  In  the  latter  there  are  more 
difficulties  than  Congress  seem  aware  of,  which  rnake» 
it  my  duty  (as  I  Lave  been  informed  of  tho  prevailing 
sentiments  of  this  army)  to  Inform  them,  that,  unless 
the  pay  of  the  officers,  (especially  that  of  the  field  offi- 
cers) be  raised,  the  chief  part  of  those  that  are  worth 
»etaining  will  leave  the  service  at  the  expiration  of  the 


96  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776 

present  term  ,  as  the  soldiers  will  also,  if  some  greater 
encouragement,  be  not  offered  them,  than  twenty  dol- 
lars, and  one  hundred  acres  of  land. 

"  Nothing  less,  in  my  opinion,  than  a  suit  of  clot  hog 
annually  giv  :n  to  each  non-commissioned  officer  and 
soldier,  in  addition  to  the  pay  and  bounty,  will  avail ; 
and  I  question  whether  that  will  do,  as  the  enemy  from 
the  information  of  one  John  Marsh,  who,  with  six 
othc-«,  was  taken  by  our  guards,  are  giving  ten  pounds 
bouii-y  for  recruits,  and  have  got  a  battalion  under 
Major  Rodgers,  ncaily  completed  upon  Long  Island. 

"  Nor  will  less  pay,  according  to  n;y  judgment,  than 
I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  mentioning  in  the  enclosed 
estimate,  retain  such  officers  as  we  could  wish  to  have 
continued  ;  the  difference  per  month  in  each  battalion 
would  amount  to  bette.  than  one  hundred  pounds ;  to 
this  may  be  added  the  pay  of  the  staff'  officers  ;  for  it 
is  presumable  they  will  also  require  an  augmentation, 
but  being  few  in  number,  the  sum  will  not  be  greatly 
increased  by  them-,  and  consequently  is  a  matter  of  no 
great  moment ;  but  it  is  a  matter  of  no  small  impor- 
tance to  make  the  several  offices  desirable.  When  the 
pay  and  establishment  of  an  officer  once  become  ob- 
jects of  interested  attention,  the  sloth,  negligence,  and 
even  disobedience  of  orders,  which  at  this  time  but  too 
generally  prevail,  will  be  purged  off.  But  while  the 
service  is  viewed  with  indifference  ;  while  the  officer 
conceives  that  he  is  rather  conferring  than  receiving 
an  obligation  ;  there  will  be  a  total  relaxation  of  ail 
order  and  discipline,  and  every  thing  will  move  heavi- 
iy  on,  to  the  great  detriment  of  the  service,  and  inex- 
pressible trouble  and  vexation  to  the  General. 

"  The  critical  situation  of  our  affairs  at  this  time 
will  justify  my  saying,  that  no  time  is  to  be  lost  in 
making  fruitless  experiments.  An  unavailing  trial  of 
a  month,  to  get  an  army,  upon  the  terms  proposed, 
may  render' it  impracticable  to  do  it  at  all,  and  prove 
fatal  to  »ur  cause,  as  I  am  not  sure  whether  anv  rub* 


1776.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  0* 

in  the  way  of  our  enlistments  or  unfavourable  turn  in 
our  affairs,  may  not  prove  the  means  of  the  enemy's 
recruiting  men  faster  than  we  do.  To  this  may  be 
added  the  inextricable  difficulty  of  forming  one  corps 
out  of  another,  ind  arranging  matters  witli  any  degree 
of  order,  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  who  are  watching 
for  advantages. 

"  At  Cambridge  last  year,  where  the  officers  (and 
more  than  a  sufficiency  of  them)  were  all  upon ,  the 
spot,  we  found  it  a  work  of  such  extreme  difficulty  to 
know  their  sentiments  (each  having  some  terms  to 
propose)  that  I  despaired,  once,  of  getting  the  arrange- 
ment completed,  and  do  suppose  that  at  least  a  hun- 
dred alterations  took  place  before  matters  were  finally 
adjusted  ;  what  must  it  be  then  under  the  present 
regulation,  where  the  officer  is  to  negotiate  this  mat- 
ter with  the  state  he  comes  from,  distant,  perhaps,  two 
or.  three  hundred  miles  ;  some  of  whom,  without  any 
license  from  me,  set  out  to  make  personal  applica- 
tion, the  moment  the  resolution 'got  to  their  hands  ? 
What  kind  of  officers  these  are,  I  leave  Congress  to 
judge. 

"  If  an  officer  of  reputation  (for  none  other  should 
be  applied  to)  be  asked  to  stay,  what  answer  can  he 
give  ?  But  in  the  first  place,  that  he  does  not  know 
whether  it  be  at  his  option  to  do  so  ;  no  provision  be- 
ing made  in  the  resolution  of  Congress,  even  recom- 
mendatory of  this  measure,  consequently,  that  it  rests 
with  the  state  he  comes  from,  (surrounded,  perhaps, 
with  a  variety  of  applications,  and  influenced  perhaps 
with  local  attachments)  lo  determine  whether  he  can 
i>e  provided  for,  or  not.  In  the  next  place,  if  he  be  an 
officer  of  merit,  and  knows  that  the  state  he  comes 
from  is  to  furnish  more  battalions  than  it  at  present 
has  in  the  service,  he  will  scarcely,  after  two  years 
faithful  services,  think  of  continuing  in  the  rank  ha 
now  bears,  when  new  creations  are  to  bs  made  and 

VOL.  I.  9 


18  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ti776. 

men  appointed  to  offices  (no  ways  superiour  in  merit, 
and  ignorant  of  service  perhaps)  over  his  head. 

"  A  Committee  sent  to  the  army  from  each  state 
may,  upon  the  spot,  fix  things  with  a  degree  of  pro- 
priety and  certainty,  and  is  the  only  method  I  can  see, 
of  bringing  measures  to  a  decision  with  respect  to  the 
officers  of  the  army  ;  but  what  can  be  done  in  the 
mean  time  towards  the  arrangement  in  the  country,  I 
know  not.  In  the  one  case,  you  run  the  hazard  of 
losing  your  officers  ;  in  the  other  of  encountering  de- 
lay ;  unless  some  method  could  be  devised  of  forward- 
ing both  at  the  same  instant. 

"  Upon  the  present  plan,  1  plainly  foresee  an  inter- 
vention of  time  between  the  old  and  new  army,  which 
must  be  filled  with  militia,  if  to  be  had,  with  whom  no 
man,  who  has  any  regard  for  his  own  reputation,  can 
undertake  to  be  answerable' for  consequences.  I  shall 
also  be  mistaken  in  my  conjectures,  if  we  do  not  lose 
the  most  valuable  officers  in  this  army,  under  the 
present  mode  of  appointing  them  ;  consequently,  if 
we  have  an  army  at  all,  it  will  be  composed  of  mate- 
rials not  only  entirely  raw,  but  if  uncommon  pains  be 
not  taken,  entirely  unfit ;  and  I  see  such  a  distrust  and 
jealousy  of  military  power,  that  the  Commander  in 
Chief  has  not  an  opportunity,  even  by  recommenda- 
tion, to  give  the  least  assurances  of  reward  for  the 
most  essential  services. 

"  In  a  word,  such  a  cloud  of  perplexing  circum- 
stances appears  before  me,  without  one  flattering  hope 
that  I  am  thoroughly  convinced,  unless  the  most  vigo- 
rous and  decisive  exertions  be  immediately  adopted  to 
remedy  these  evils,  that  the  certain  and  absolute  Icsa 
•«f  our  liberties  will  be  the  inevitable  consequence  ;  as 
one  unhappy  stroke  will  throw  a  powerful  weight  into 
the  ocale  against  us,  and  enable  General  Howe  to  re- 
truit  his  army  as  fast  as  we  shall  ours  ;  numbers  being 
disposed,  and  many  actually  doing  so  already.  Some 


177G.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  9& 

of  the  most  probable  remedies,  and  such  as  expenenc* 
has  brought  to  my  more  intimate  knowledge,  I  have 
taken  the  liberty  to  point  out ,  the  rest  1  beg  leave  tc 
submit  to  the  consideration  of  Congress; 

4<  .  ask  pardon  for  taking  up  so  much  of  their  tim« 
with  my  opinions,  but  1  should  betray  that  trust  which 
they  and  my  country  have  reposed  in  me,  were  I  to 
be  silent  upon  matters  so  extremely  interesting." 

General  Howe  too  well  understood  the  duty  of  a 
commander  to  attempt  to  storm  the  strong  camp  of  his 
opponent.  He  adopted  the  plan  of  transporting  hia 
army  above  King's  bridge  and  forming  an  encamp- 
ment in  rear  of  General  WASHINGTON'S  lines.  This 
manoeuvre,  he  expected,  wouid  either  occasion  the 
American  Commander  hastily  to  abandon  his  encamp- 
ment, or  oblige  him  to  hazard  a  general  engagement 
under  circumstances  which  would  render  a  defeat  ab- 
solute ruin  To  facilitate  this  design,  he  fortified 
M'Gowan's  hill  for  the  defence  of  the  city.  Three 
frigates  passed  up  the  North  river  without  injury  from 
the  fire  of  Forts  Washington  and  Lee,  and  without 
impediment  from  the  chevauxdefrise  that  had  been 
sunk  in  the  river.  The  great  body  of  troops 
OCT  19.  on  York  Island  was  embarked  in  flat  bot- 
tomed boats,  conveyed  through  Hurl  Gate, 
and  landed  a'.  Frog's  Neck,  near  West  Chester. 

Gen'.ral  WASHINGTON  fully  comprehended  the  plan 
of  the  Rritish  Commander,  and  immediately  adopted 
measures  to  defeat  it.  The  bridges  were  removed 
from  the  only  road,  in  which  the  British  columns  could 
march  from  Frog's  Neck  to  the  American  encampment, 
the  ground  being  rough  and  in  many  places  intersect- 
ed by  stone  walls.  The  road  itself  was  broken  up, 
guns  were  mounted  upon  heights  the  most  favourable 
to  annoy  approaching  troops,  and  detachments  were 
sent  out  to  act  in  front  of  the  enemy,  and  to  check  hij 
progress.  As  General  Howe  prosecuted  his  scheme, 
it  became  evident  to  the  American  General  Oilicer* 


100  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776 

that  a  change  of  position  was  necessary  to  save  their 
army  from  destruction.  General  Lee  about  this  time 
joined  this  army,  and  urged  the  immediate  execution 
of  the  measure.  The  advice  of  his  officers  according 
with  his  own  judgment,  the  Commander  in  Chief 
moved  the  army  from  York  Island,  and  stretched  it 
along  the  North  river  towards  the  White  Plains,  until 
its  left  was  extended  above  the  enemy's  right.  It  was, 
however,  determined  to  maintain  Forts  Washington  and 
Lee.  The  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  llth  of  Oc- 
tober, requesting  General  WASHINGTON  in  every  possi- 
ble way  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  the  river,  had  great 
influence  on  this  decision.  The  removal  of  the  stores 
was  a  heavy  task  to  the  men  from  the  want  of  teams. 
General  Howe  moved  his  army  to  New- 
OCT.  18.  Rochelle.  Several  sharp  skirmishes  ensued, 
in  which  the  American  troops  behaved  well. 
Both  afmios  mamEUvred  for  several  days  to  obtain 
possession  of  the  high  grounds  of  the  White  Plains. 
General  WASHINGTON  narrowly  watched  the  move- 
ments of  his  enemy,  and  to  secure  a  communication 
with  the  country,  and  to  cover  the  removal  of  his 
heavy  baggage,  he  disposed  his  forces  upon  the  differ- 
ent heights  from  Voluntine's  Hill,  near  King's  bridge, 
to  the  White  Plains,  firming  a  chain  of  fortified  posts, 
twelve  or  thirteen  miles  in  extent.  He  now  fronted 
the  British  line  of  march,  the  river  Brunx  running  be- 
tween the  two  armies.  During  these  operations  severe 
skirmishes  took  place  between  advanced  corps,  and  a 
bold, attempt  was  made  to  cut. 'off  a  British  regiment, 
which  partia.ly  succeeded.  The  enterprise  of  the  Ame- 
rican commander  rendered  General  Howe  extremely 
cautious;  his  movements  were  made  in  closr?  order, and 
in  his  encampments  every  corps  was  strongly  secured. 
The  sick  and  the  stores  having  been  re- 
OCT.  25.  moved  to  places  of  safety,  General  WASH- 
INGTON drew  in  his  outposts,  and  took  pos- 
session of  the  hills  on  the  east  side  of  the  Brunx  in 


17761  UFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  101 

front  of  the  British  army.  A  detachment  was  posted 
on  a  hill  a  mile  from  the  main  body,  on  the  west  sida 
of  the .  river,  to  cover  the  right  wing  ;  and  entrench- 
ments were  formed,  as  time  permitted,  to  render  the 
lines  more  defensible. 

The  manoeuvres  of  General  Howe  indicated 
OCT.  28  the  intention  to  attack  the  American  camp , 
he  reconnoitred  their  position,  and  with  little 
effect  opened  a  heavy  cannonade  upon  it.  He  detach- 
ed a  large  corps  over  the  Brunx  to  drive  the  Americans 
from  the  hill  on  their  right,  and  thereby  open  the  way 
for  an  assault  upon  the  right  and  centre  of  the  main 
body  The  charge  was  sustained  with  spirit ;  but  final- 
ly the  Americans  were  overpowered  by  numbers,  and 
driven  from  this  position.  The  loss  of  the  Americans 
in  the  gallant  conflict,  in  killed,  wounded,  and  taken, 
was  between  three  and  four  hundred  ;  that  of  the  Bri- 
tish was  not  less.  The  day  was  so  far  spent  in  the 
struggle,  that  General  Howe  deferred  the  attack  upon 
the  lines  until  next  morning,  and  the  whole  British  army 
lay  through  the  night  upon  their  arms,  in  face  of  the 
American  encampment.  General  WASHINGTON  spent 
the  time  in  making  preparation  for  the  oxpected  as- 
sault ;  he  drew  his  right  wing  bac'k  into  stronger 
ground,  and  strengtnened  his  left  in  its  former  position. 
The  succeeding  day  the  cautious  Howe  again  recon- 
noitred the  American  camp,  and  determined  to  suspend 
the  attack  until  the  arrival  of  a  reinforcement  from 
the  city.  This  additional  force  reached  him  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  30th,  and  preparations  were  made  for 
the  attack  ;  but  a  violent  rain  prevented  the  execution 
of  the  design. 

The  movements  of  the  enemy  manifest- 
Nov.  1.  in?  the  design  to  turn  the  right  flank  of 
the  Americans,  and  gain  possession  of  the 
high  ground  in  their  r~ar,  General  WASHINGTON,  hav- 
ing secured  his  heavy  baggage  and  stores,  at  night 
withdrew  his  army  from  its  present  position,  and  form 


102  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776. 

ed  it  upon  the  heights  of  Newcastle,  about  five  miles 
from  the  White  Plains,  and  secured  the  bridge  ove- 
Croton  river. 

General  Howe  deemed  the  new  encampment  too 
strong  to  be  forced,  and  marehod  oft'  his  army  to  other 
operations. 

The  immediate  object  of  General  Howe 
Nov.  5.  in  leaving  the  White  Plains,  was  to  invest 
Forts  Washington  and  Lee.  The  posses 
•ion  of  these  fortresses  would  secure  the  free  naviga 
tion  of  the  North  river,  and  facilitate  the  invasion  of 
JSey^-Jersey.  The  American  Commander  conformed 
his  movements  to  those  of  his  enemy.  He  ordered  all 
che  troops  raifed  on  the  vest  side  of  the  Hudson  to 
crosfc  that  river  under  the  command  of  General  Green, 
intending  himself  to  cross,  as  soon  as  the  plans  of 
Geiieral  Howe  should  be  more  fully  disclosed.  Gene- 
ral Lee  remained  with  the  troops  raised  east  of  the 
Hudson,  who  was  ordered  to  join  Green's  division, 
whenever  the  enemy  should  enter  New-Jersey.  Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON  informing  Congress  of  his  new  ar- 
rangements, observed,  "  I  cannot  indulge  the  idea  that 
General  Howe,  supposing  him  to  be  going  to  New- 
York,  means  to  close  the  campaign,  arid  to  sit  down 
without  attempting  sometlHng  more.  I  think  it  high- 
ly probable,  and  almost  certain,  that  lie  will  make  a 
descent  with  a  part  of  his  troops  into  the  Jerseys,  and 
as  soon  as  I  am  satisfied  that  the  present  manoeuvre 
is  real,  and  not  a  feint,  I  shall  use  all  the  means  in  my 
power  to  forward  a  part  of  our  force  to  counteract  his 
designs. 

"  I  expect  the  enemy  will  bend  their  force  against 
Fort  Washington,  and  invest  it  immediately.  From 
some  advice,  it  is  an  object  that  will  attract  their  ear- 
liest attention." 

He  wrote  to  Governour  Livingston,  informing  him 
of  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  advising  him  to 
Void  the  militia  in  their  full  strength,  in  constant  readi 


1776.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON-  103 

ness  to  defend  their  country.  Ho  also  urged  him  to 
remove  or  destroy  the  stock  and  provisions  on  the  sea- 
coast,  lest  these  should  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Bri- 
tish. He  directed  General  Green  to  keep  his  eye  on 
Mount  Washington,  to  send  oft'  from  his  division  all 
stores  not  of  immediate  necessity,  and  to  establish  his 
magazines  at  Princeton,  or  some  distant  place  of  safety. 
While  the  British  forces  were  marching  to  King's 
bridge,  three  ships  of  war  sailed  up  the  Hudson,  with- 
out injury  from  the  American  batteries,  or  from  the 
obstructions  that  had  been  sunk  in  the  channel  01"  the 
river.  This  fact  convinced  the  General,  that  it  was 
inexpedient  long-er  to  attempt  the  defence  of  Mount 
Washington.  He  accordingly  again  wrote  to 
Nov.  8.  General  Green,  "  If  we  cannot  prevent -ves- 
sels from  passing  up,  and  the  enemy  are  pos- 
sessed of  the  surrounding  country,  what  valuable  pur- 
pose can  it  answer  to  attempt  to  hold  a  post,  from 
which  the  expected  benefit  cannot  be  derived  ?  I  am, 
therefore,  inclined  to  think  it  will  not  be  prudent  to 
hazard  the  men  and  stores  at  Mount  Washington  ;  but 
as  you  are  on  the  spot,  I  leave  it  to  you  to  give  such 
orders  respecting  the  evacuation  of  the  place,  as  you 
may  think  most  adviseable,  and  so  far  revoke  the  orders 
given  Colonel  Magaw  to  defend  it  to  the  last."  In 
the  presumption,  that  the  works  were  too  strong  to  be 
carried  by  storm,  and  that  regular  approaches  by  ar- 
tillery would  give  opportunity  to  draw  off  the  garrison, 
when  their  circumstances  should  become  desperate, 
General  Green  did  not  carry  these  discretionary  or- 
ders into  effect.  He  was  induced  to  this  delay,  that 
he  might,  as  long  as  possible,  retain  the  passage  of  the 
river,  and  prevent  the  depression,  which  the  evacua- 
tion of  an  important  post  might  produce  on  the  army 
and  on  the  country. 

General  Howe  being  in  rcadin  ^ss  for  the 

Nov.  15.     assault,  summoned  the  garrison  to  surrender. 

Colonel  Magaw,  the  commanding  officer,  in 


104  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [I77b 

spirited  language,  replied,  that  he  shourd  defend  hi* 
works  to  extremity.  He  immediately  communicated 
the  summons  to  General  Green,  and  through  him  to 
the  Commander  in  Chief,  then  at  Hackensack.  The 
General  rode  to  Fort  Lee.  at  which  place  he  took  boat, 
lat  3  al  night,  for  Mount  Washington  ;  but,  on  the  river, 
nt'it  Generals  Putnam  and  Green  returning  from  a 
visit  to  the  garrison,  who  informed  him  that  the  men 
were  'n  high  spirits,  and  would  make  a  brave  defence, 
and  he  returned  with  them  to  Fort  Lee. 

f\L  .'.l.v  succeeding  morning  the  enemy  made  the 
assault  in  four  separate  divisions.  The  Hessians, 
commanded  by  General  Knyphausen,  moved  down 
from  King's  bridge  to  attack  the  north  side  of  the  fort : 
they  were  gallantly  opposed,  and  repeatedly  repulsed 
by  Colonel  Rawlings's  regiment  of  riflemen  posted  on 
a  hill  back  of  the  works.  Lord  Percy,  accompanied 
by  General  Howe,  assaulted  the  works  on  tho  south  • 
General  Mathews  crossed  the  North  river,  a^d  landed 
within  the  second  Jine  of  defence,  while  a  considera- 
ble part  of  the  garrison  were  in  the  first,  fighting  with 
Lord  Percy.  Colonel  Cadwaliader,  the  commander  at 
this  post,  fearing  an  attack  on  his  rear,  retreated  in 
confusion  towards  the  fort ;  btrt  the  fourth  British 
column  crossing  the  North  river  at  this  moment,  with- 
in the  lines,  intercepted  a  part  of  Cadwaliader 's  troops, 
and  made  them  prisoners.  In  the  mean  time,  Kny- 
phausen had  overcome  the  obstinate  resistance  of  Colo- 
nel Rawlings,  and  gained  the  summit  of  the  hill.  The 
whole  garrison  now  entered  the  fort  or  retreated  un- 
der its  guns. 

The  enemy  having  surmounted  the  outworks,  agaia 
summoned  the  garrison  to  surrender.  His  ammuni- 
tion beirg  nearly  expended,  and  Ins  force  incompetent 
to  repel  the  numbers  which  were  ready  on  every  side 
to  assail  him,  Colonel  Magaw  surrendered  himself  and 
his  garrison,  consisting  of  two  thousand  men.  prisoner* 
af  war.  The  «oemv  lost  in  »l«^  assault  about  eight 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  105. 

hundred  men,  mostly  Germans.  Soon  after  the  second 
summons,  General  WASHINGTON  found  means  to  send 
a  billet  to  Colonel  Magaw,  requesting  him  to  defend 
himself  until  the  evening,  and  he  would  take  measures 
to  bring  him  off;  but  the  situation  of  the  garrison  was 
too  desperate,  and  the  negotiation  had  proceeded  too 
far  to  make  the  attempt. 

The  conquest  of  Mount  Washington  made  the 
evacuation  of  Fort  Lee  necessary.  Orders  were 
therefore  issued  to  remove  the  ammunition  and  stores 
in  it ;  but  before  much  progress  had  been  made  in  this 
business,  Lord  Cornwallis  crossed  the  Hud- 
Nov.  18.  son  with  a  number  of  battalions,  with  the 
intention  to  enclose  the  garrison  between  the 
Hackensack  and  North  rivers.  This  movement  made 
a  precipitate  retreat  indispensable,  which  was  happily 
effected  with  little  loss  of  men  ;  but  a  greater  part  of 
the  artillery,  stores,  and  baggage,  was  left  for  the  enemy. 

The  loss  at  Mount  Washington  was  heavy.  The 
regiments  captured  in  it  were  some  of  the  best  troops 
in  the  army.  The  tents,  camp-kettles,  and  stores,  lost 
at  this  place  and  at  Fort  Lee,  could  not  during  the 
campaign  be  replaced,  and  for  the  want  of  them  the 
men  suffered  extremely.  This  loss  was  unnecessarily 
sustained.  Those  posts  ought,  unquestionably,  to 
have  been  evacuated  before  General  Howe  was  in  a 
situation  to  invest  them.  When  the  British  General 
gained  possession  of  the  country  above  those  positions, 
they  became  in  a  great  degree  useless  to  the  Ameri- 
cans. This  opinion  is  clearly  expressed  in  the  letter 
of  General  WASHINGTON  to  General  Green.  The 
errour  to  be  attributed  to  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
consisted  in  submitting  the  measure  of  evacuation  to 
the  discretion  of  a  subaltern  officer,  instead  of  abso- 
lutely directing  it,  in  the  exercise  of  powers  vested  in 
him.  After  the  disastrous  event  had  taken  place,  he 
possessed  too  much  magnanimity  to  exculpate  himself 
}>y  criminating  General  Gresn. 


106  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177fc 

The  American  force  was  daily  diminished  f>y  the  or 
piration  of  the  soldiers'  term  of  enlistment,  and  by  the 
desertion  of  the  miliiia. 

When  General  Howe  in  force  crossed  into 
N-.T  29.  New-Jersey,  General  WASHINGTON  posted 
the  army  under  his  immediate  command, 
consisting  of  only  three  thousand  men,  along  the 
Haekensack  ;  but  was  unable  seriously  to  oppose  the 
enemy  in  its  passage.  The  country  behind  linn  waa 
level  ;  he  was  without  entrenching  tools,  anJ  without 
tents ;  his  troops  were  miserably  clothed,  and  the  sea- 
son was  becoming  inclement.  The  firm  mind  of  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTO.N  sunk  not  under  these  depressing 
circumstances.  Although  no  bright  prospect  present- 
ed itself  to  his  contemplation,  yet  he  exerted  himself 
to  increast  his  effective  force,  and  to  make  the  best 
disposal  of  that  under  his  direction.  He  ordered  Ge- 
neral Schnyler  to  send  to  his  aid  the  troops,  belonging 
to  Pennsylvania  and  Jersey,  which  had  been  attached 
to  the  Northern  army  ;  but  their  term  of  service  ex- 
pired before  they  reached  his  encampment,  and  they 
brought  him  no  effectual  support..  He  ordered  Gene- 
ral Lee  to  cross  the  Hudson,  and  join  him  with  those 
of  his  troops,  whos-e  time  of  service  was  not  expiring  ; 
but  General  Lee  loitered  upon  the  East  side  of  the 
river,  and  discovered  an  ardent  inclination  to  retain  a 
separate  command  in  the  rea.'  of  the  enemy.  WASH- 
INGTON in  repeated  messages  informed  Lee,  that  his 
joining  was  of  absolute  necessity,  that  the  people  of 
Jersey  expected  security  from  the  American  army; 
and  if  disappointed,  they  would  yield  no  support  to  a 
for'.e,  that  did  not  protect  them  ;  and  cautioned  him  to 
lake  his  route  so  high  in  the  country,  as  to  avoid  the 
danger  of  being  intercepted  by  the  enemy.  These  or 
ders  General  Lee  executed  in  a  reluctant  and  tardy 
manner,  am'  soon  after  he  entered  New-Jersey,  caro 
lessly  taking  his  quarters  for  a  night  in  a  house  three 
miles  from  his  force,  lie  was  surprised  and  taken 


177G.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  107 

prisoner  by  a  detachment  of  British  dragoons.  Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON  also  renewed  his  letters  to  Congress, 
and  to  the  Executives  of  the  neighbouring  States, 
urging  them  to  bring  the  whole  strength  of  the  mili- 
tia into  the  field,  to  enable  him  to  check  the  progress 
of  the  invading  foe.  To  back  these  requests,  lie  di- 
rected General  Mitllinto  repair  to  Philadelphia,  Gene- 
ral Armstrong  to  the  interiour  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
Colonel  Reed,  his  Adjutant  General,  to  the  distant 
counties  of  New-Jersey.  The  known  influence  of 
these  gentlemen  in  those  places,  united  tc  the  exertions 
of  the  constituted  authorities,  would,  the  General 
hoped,  bring  a  powerful  reinforce ment  to  his  armv 
All  these  efforts  were  foi  the  present  time  ineffectual. 

As  General  Howe  advanced,  the  American  army 
retreated  towards  the  Delaware.  It  frequently  hap- 
pened, that  the  front  guaH  of  the  British  entered  one 
end  of  a  village,  as  the  rear  of  the  Americans  quitted 
the  othnr.  Whenever  it  could  be  done  with  safety, 
General  Washington  made  a  stand,  to  show  the  sem- 
blance of  an  army,  and  to  retard  the  progress  of  the 
enemy. 

At  Brunswick,  Lord  and  General  Howe,  Commis- 
eionera,  issued  a  proclamation,  commanding  all  persona 
in  arms  against  the  King,  peaceably  to  return  to  their 
homes,  and  all  civil  officers  to  desist  from  their  trea- 
sonable practices  ;  and  offering  a  full  pardon  to  all 
persons,  who  should  in  sixty  days  appear  before  ap- 
pointed officers  of  the  crown,  and  subscribe  a  declara- 
tion of  their  submission  to  royal  authority. 

This  was  the  most  gloomy  period  of  the  revo- 
DEC.  lutionary  war.  It  was  the  crisis  of  the  struggle 
of  the  United  States  for  Independence.  The 
American  army,  reduced  in  numbers,  depressed  by  de 
feat,  and  exhausted  by  fatigue,  naked,  barefoot,  and 
destitute  of  tents,  and  even  of  utensils,  with  which  to 
dress  their  scanty  provisions,  was  fleeing  before  a 
triumphant  army,  well  appointed  and  abundantly  sup- 


JOS  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177* 

plied.  A  general  spirit  of  despondency  through  New 
Jersey  was  the  consequence  of  this  disastrous  state  of 
publick  affairs.  No  city  or  town  indeed,  in  its  corpo- 
rate capacity  submitted  to  the  British  government.  A 
few  characters  of  distinction  maintained  their  political 
integrity  ;  and  nearly  a  thousand  of  the  militia  of  the 
state  bravely  kept  the  field  in  defence  of  their  country. 
But  most  of  the  families  of  fortune  and  influence,  dis- 
covered an  inclination  to  return  to  their  allegiance  to 
the  king.  Many  of  tl>e  yeomanry  claimed  the  bene- 
fits of  the  Commissioners'  proclamation ;  and  the 
great  body  of  them  were  too  much  taken  up  with  the 
Security  of  their  families  and  their  property,  to  make 
any  exertion  in  the  publick  cause. 

In  this  worst  of  times  Congress  stood  unmoved. 
Their  measures  exhibited  no  symptoms  of  confusion 
or  dismay,  the  publick  danger  only  roused  them  to 
more  vigorous  exertions,  that  they  might  give  a  firmer 
tone  to  the  publick  mind,  and  animate  the  citizens  of 
United  America  to  a  manly  defence  of  their  Inde- 
pendence. 

Beneath  this  cloud  of  adversity,  General  WASHING- 
TON shone,  perhaps  with  a  brighter  lustre,  than  in  the 
day  of  his  highest  prosperity.  Not  dismayed  by  all 
the  difficulties  which  encompassed  him,  he  accommo- 
dated his  measures  to  his  situation,  and  still  made  the 
good  of  his  country  the  object  of  his  unwearied  pur- 
suit. He  ever  wore  the  countenance  of  composure 
and  confidence  ;  by  his  own  example  inspiring  his  lit- 
tle band  with  firmness  to  struggle  with  adverse  for 
tune. 

.    As  the  British  advanced  upon  him,  he  retreated,  and 
having  previously  broken  down  the  bridges  on  the  Jer- 
sey shore,  he  crossed  the  Delaware,  and  se 
DEC.  8.    cured  the  boats  upon  the  river  for  a  distance 
of  seventy  miles.     The  van  of  the  enemy 
appeared  upon  the  left  bank  of  the  Delaware,  while 
Ihe  rear  of  the  American  army  was  upon  its  passage. 


177G  j  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  109 

After  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  procure  boats  to 
past*  the  Delaware,  General  Howe  rantoned  his  army 
in  New-Jersey,  intending  to  wait  until  the  frost  of 
winter  should  famish  him  with  an  easy  passage  upon 
Ihe  ice  to  Philadelphia.  He  stationed  four  thousand 
men  along  the  Delaware  at  Trenton,  Bordentown,  the 
White  Horse,  and  Burlington.  And  the  residue  of  his 
force,  he  posted  between  the  Delaware  and  the  Hack 
ensack. 

General  WASHINGTON  ordered  the  American  galleys 
to  keep  the  river,  narrowly  to  watch  the  enemy,  and 
to  give  the  earliest  notice  of  their  movements.  He 
posted  hir  troops  upon  the  south  side  of  the  Delaware, 
in  situations  the  most  favourable  to  guard  the  fords 
and  terries  ;  and  he  gave  written  instructions  to  the 
commanding  officer  of  each  detachment,  directing 
what  passes  he  should  defend,  if  driven  from  his  post, 
on  his  retreat  to  the  heights  of  Germantown.  While 
waiting  for  reinforcements  he  kept  a  steady  eye  on  the 
enemy,  and  used  every  means  in  his  power  to  gain 
correct  information  of  their  plans.  This  moment  of 
inaction  he  also  embraced,  to  lay  before  Congress  his 
reiterated  remonstrances  against  the  fatal  system  of 
short  enlistments.  He  hoped  that  experience,  by  its 
severe  chastisement,  would  produce  the  conviction 
upon  that  body,  which  his  arguments  and  persuasions 
had  uot  fully  effected. 

He  urged  Congress  to  establish  corps 
DEC  20.  of  cavalry,  artillerists,  and  engineers,  and 
pressed  upon  them  tho  necessity  of  esta- 
olishing  additional  regiments  of  infantry.  He  knew 
that  objections  to  these  measures  would  arise,  on  ac- 
count of  the  expense,  and  from  tlw  consideration,  that 
the  old  battalions  were  not  yet  filled  ;  these  he  obviated 
hv  observing,  that  "  moro  men  would  in  this  way  on 
thft  wltolc  be  raised,  and  that  our  funds  were  not  tUa 
only  object  now  to  be  taken  into  consideration.  We 
find,"  he  added,  "  that  the  enemy  arc  daily  gathcr- 
VOL.  I  10 


110  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

»ng  strength  from  the  disaffected.  This  strength,  lik? 
a  snowball  by  rolling,  will  increase,  unless  some  means 
can  be  devised  to  check,  effectually,  the  progress  of 
the  enemy's  arms  :  militia  may  possibly  do  it  for  a 
tittle  while  ;  but  in  a  little  while  also,  the  militia  of 
these  states,  which  have  frequently  been  called  upon, 
will  not  tarn  out  at  call  ;  or  if  they  do,  it  will  be  with 
eo  much  reluctance  and  sloth,  as  to  amount  to  the 
same  thing  :  instance  New-Jersey  !  witness  Pennsyl- 
vania '  could  any  thing  but  the  river  Delaware  have 
saved  Philadelphia  ?  could  any  thing  (the  exigency 
of  the  case  indeed  may  justify  it)  be  more  destructive 
to  the  recruiting  service,  than  giving  ten  dollars  boun 
ty,  for  six  weeks'  service  of  the  militia,  who  come  in, 
you  cannot  tell  how,  go,  you  cannot  tell  when,  and 
act,  you  cannot  tell  where — consume  your  provisions, 
exhaust  your  stores,  and  .cave  you  at  last,  at  a  critical 
moment.  These  are  the  men  I  am  to  depend  upon  ten 
days  hence.  This  is  the  basis  on  which  yonr  cause 
will,  and  must  for  ever  depend,  till  you  get  a  large 
standing  army,  sufficient  of  itself  to  oppose  the 
enemy." 

With  deference  he  suggested  to  Congress  the  expe 
diency  of  enlarging  his  own  powers,  that  he  might 
execute  important  measures,  without  consulting  with 
them,  and  possibly,  by  the  delay,  missing  the  favoura- 
ble moment  of  action.  "  It  may  be  said,"  he  observed, 
"  that  this  is  an  application  for  powers  that  are  too 
dangerous  to  be  entrusted.  I  can  only  add,  that  despe 
rate  diseases  require  desperate  remedies,  and  with 
truth  declare,  that  I  have  no  lust  after  power,  bat  wish 
with  as  much  fervency  as  any  man  upon  the  wide  ex- 
tended continent,  for  an  opportunity  of  turning  the 
rword  into  a  ploughsliare.  But  my  feelings  as  an  offi- 
cer and  a  man,  have  been  such  as  to  force  me  to  say, 
that  no  person  ever  had  a  greater  choice  of  difficulties 
to  contend  with  than  I  have."  Having  recop-imendcd 
•undry  otl>er  measures,  and  mentioned  several  ar- 


1776.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  111 

Tangcments  which  he  had  adopted  beyond  Hie  spirit 
of  his  commission,  he  concluded  with  the  following 
observations. 

"  It  may  be  thought  that  I  am  going  a  good  deal  out 
of  the  line  of  rny  duty  to  adopt  these  measures,  or  to 
advise  thus  freely.  A  character  to  lose,  an  estate  to 
forfeit,  the  inestimable  blessings  of  liberty  at  stake 
and  a  life  devoted,  must  be  my  apology." 

These  weighty  representations  wore  not   fruitless- 
Congress,  by   a  resolution,    invested    thei ' 
DEC.  27.     General   with  almost  unlimited  powers  to 
manage  the  war. 

The  united  exertions  of  civil  and  military  officers 
had  by  this  time  brought  a  considerable  body  of  militia 
into  the  field.  General  Sullivan  too,  on  whom  the 
command  of  General  Lee's  divisioii  devolved  upon  his 
capture,  promptly  obeyed  the  orders  of  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  and  at  this  period  joined  him  ;  and 
General  Heath  was  marching  a  detachment  from 
Peck's  Kill.  The  army,  with  these  reinforcements, 
amounted  to  seven  thousand  men,  and  General  WASH 
I.NGTON  determined  to  recommence  active  operations. 

General  Maxwell  had  already  been  sent  into  New- 
Jersey,  to  take  the  command  of  three  regiments  of 
regular  forces,  and  about  eight  hundred  of  the  militia. 
His  orders  were  to  give  the  inhabitants  all  possible 
support,  and  to  prevent  the  disaffected  from  going  into 
the  British  lines  to  make  their  submission,  to  harass 
the  marches  of  the  enemy,  and  to  give  early  intelli 
gence  of  their  mo*,  ements,  particularly  of  those  to 
wards  Princeton  and  Trenton. 

These  measurts  were  preparatory  to  more  enter 
prising  and  bold  operations.  General  WASHINGTON 
had  noticed  the  loose  and  uncovered  state  of  the  win- 
ter quarters  of  the  British  army  ;  and  he  contemplated 
the  preservation  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  recovery  of 
New-Jersey,  by  sweeping,  at  one  stroke,  all  the  I5i  itisf-, 


114  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177* 

cantonments  upon  the  Delaware.  The  present  posi 
tion  of  his  forces  favoured  the  execution  of  his  plan. 

The  troops  under  the  immediate  command  of  Gtsne 
ral  WASHINGTON,  consisting  of  about  two  thousand 
and  four  hundred  men,  were  ordered  to  cross  the  rivei 
at  M'Konkey't»  ferry,  nine  miles  above  Trenton,  to  at- 
tar k  that  post.  Genera!  Irvine  was>  directed  to  cross 
with  his  di/ision  at  Trenton  ferry,  to  secure  the  bridge 
below  tin;  town,  and  prevent  tl»e  retreat  of  the  enemy 
Uiat  way.  General  Cadwullader  received  orders  to 
pass  the  river  at  Bristol  ferry,  and  assault  the  post  at 
Burlington.  Tire  njglit  of  the  twenty-fifth  was  assign- 
ed for  the  execution  of  this  daring  scheme.  It  proved 
to  be  severely  cold  and  so  much  ice  was  made  in  the 
river,  that  General  Irvine  and  General  CadwaMader, 
afi.er  Iraving  strenuously  exerted  themselves,  found  it 
impracticable  to  pass  their  divisions,  and  their  part  of 
the  plan  totally  failed. 

The  Commander  in  Chief  vras  more  fortunate. 
With  difficulty  he  crossed  the  river,  but  was  delayed 
in  point  of  time.  He  expected  to  have  reached  Tren- 
ton at  the  dawn  of  day,  and  it  was  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning  before  he  had  passed  the  troops  and  artillery 
over  the  river,  and  four  before  he  commenced  his  line 
of  march.  Being  now  distant  nine  miles  from  the 
British  encampment,  tire  attempt  t.>  surprise  it  wa* 
given  up.  He  formed  his  little  army  into  two  divi- 
sions, one  of  which  was  directed  to  proceed  by  the 
river  road  into  the  west  end  of  Trenton,  and  the  ether 
by  the  Pennington  road  which  leads  into  the  north 
end  of  the  town.  The  distance  being  equal,  the  Gene- 
ral supposed  that  each  division  wo  aid  arrive  at  tho 
scene  of  art  ion  about  the  same  time  ;  and  therefore 
he  .ordered  each  to  atffick  the  moment  of  its  arrival, 
arid  drvirg  hi  the  piquet  guard,  to  press  after  it  into 
the  tov  n.  The  General  accompanying  the  division 
on  the  P«  nnington  road,  reached  the  outpost  of  tht 


177C.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  113 

enemy  precisely  at  eight  o'clock,  and  in  three  minutes 
after,  had  the  satisfaction  to  hear  the  firing  of  his  men 
on  the  other  road. 

The  brave  Colonel  Rawle,  the  commanding  officer 
paraded  his  forces  for  the  defence  of  his  post.  He 
was  by  the  first  fire  mortally  wounded,  and  his  men  in 
apparent  dismay,  attempted  to  file  off  towards  Prince- 
ton. General  WASHINGTON  perceiving  their  intention, 
moved  a  part  of  his  troops  into  this  road  in  their  frontj 
and  defeated  the  design.  Their  artillery  being  seized, 
and  the  Americans  pressing  upon  them,  they  surren- 
dered. Twenty  of  the  Germans  were  killed,  and  one 
thousand  made  prisoners.  By  the  failure  of  General 
Irvins,  a  small  body  of  the  enemy  stationed  in  the 
lowei  .part  of  the  town  escaped  over  the  bridge  to  Bor- 
denton.  Of  the  American  troops,  two  privates  were 
killed,  and  two  frozen  to  death,  one  officer  and  three 
or  four  privates  were  wounded. 

Could  the  other  divisions  have  crossed  the  Dela- 
ware, General  WASHINGTON'S  plan  in  its  full  extent 
would  probably  have  succeeded.  Not  thinking  it  pru- 
dent to  hazard  the  fruits  of  this  gallant  stroke  by  more 
daring  attempts,  the  General  the  same  day,  recrossed 
the  Delaware  with  his  prisoners,  with  six  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery, a  thousand  stand  of  arms,  and  some  militaijr 
stores. 

General  Howe  was  astonished  at  this  display  of  en 
terprise  and  vigour.  He  found  the  American  Com- 
mander, a  formidable  enemy  under  circumstanceo  of 
the  greatest  depression,  and  although  in  the  depth 
of  winter,  determined  to  recommence  active  ope 
rations.  In  pursuance  of  this  resolution,  ho  called  in 
his  outposts  and  assembled  a  powerful  force  at  Prince- 
ton. 

Having  allowed  his   men  two   or  three  days'  rest, 
General  WASHINGTON  again  passed  into  New-Jersey, 
and  concentrated  his  forces,  amounting  to  five   thou- 
sand, at  Trenton.     He  pushed  a  small  detachment  to 
10" 


:i.  LIKE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1777 

Maidenhead,   about    half  way    between    Tronton  and 

Princeton,  to  watch  the  movement  of  the  enemy,  and 

delay  their  inarch,  Should  they    advance    upon   him 

On  the  next  morning,  Lord  Cornwallis  moved 

I-?-'-,  '     towards  the  American  General  with  a  supe- 

ri:>nr    force,    and    reached    Trenton    at    foiu 

o'clock  ~>f  the  a.'temoon.     General  WASHINGTON  drew 

uji   his  men   behind    AsHiimpinck  creek,   which   runa 

Ih    >ugh  the  town.     A  cannonade  was  opened  on  both 

Eiues.     His  Lordship  attempted  at   several   places  to 

cross  the  creek  ;  but  finding  the  passes  guarded,  he 

halted  his  troops,  and  kindled  his  fires. 

Early  in  the  evening  General  WASHINGTON -assem 
bled  his  officers  in  Council,  and  stated  to  them  the 
critical  situation  of  the  army.  "  In  the  morning,"  he 
observed,  "  we  certainly  shall  be  attacked  by  a  supe- 
riour  force,  defeat  must  operate  our  absolute  destruc 
tion,  a  retreat  across  the  Delaware  is  extremely  ha- 
zardous, if  practicable,  on  account  of  the  ice.  In 
either  case,  the  advantages  of  our  late  success  will  be 
sacrificed.  .New-Jorsey  must  again  be  resigned  to  the 
enemy,  and  3  train  of  depressing  and  disastrous  con 
sequences  will  ensue."  He  then  proposed  to  their 
consideration  the  expediency  of  the  following  measure 
"  Shall  we  silently  quit  our  present  position,  by  a  cir- 
cuitous route,  gain  the  rear  of  the  enemy  at  Princeton, 
and  there  avail  ourselves  of  favourable  circumstances? 
By  this  measure  we  shall  avoid  the  appearance  of  a 
retreat,  we  shall  assume  the  aspect  of  vigorous  opera- 
tion, inspirit  the  publick  mind,  and  subserve  the  inte- 
rests of  our  country."  . 

The  plan  was  unanimously  approved,  and  measures 
were  instantly  adopted  for  its  execution  ;  the  baggage 
was  silently  removed  to  Burlington  ;  the  fires  weie  re- 
newed, and  ordered  to  be  kept  up  through  the  night 
guards  were  posted  at  the  bridge  and  fords  of  the 
creek,  and  directed  to  go  the  usual  rounds.  At  one 
»  clock  at  night,  the  army  moved  upon  the  left  flank 


1777]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  lfc> 

of  the  enemy,  and  unperceived  gained  their  rear. 
The  weather,  which  for  several  days  had  been  warm, 
suddenly  changed  to  a  severe  frost ;  and  the  roads, 
which  had  been  deep  and  muddy,  immediately  became 
hard,  and  marching  upon  them,  easy. 

About  sunrise  the  American  van  met  the  advance 
of  three  Biitish  regiments,  which  had  the  preceding 
right  encamped  at  Princeton,  and  were  on  their  way 
lo  join  Lord  Cornwallis.  A  severe  skirmish  took 
place  between  this  advanc?d  corps  and  General  Mer- 
cer, who  commanded  the  militia  in  front  of  the  Ame- 
rican line.  The  militia  at  length  gave  way,  and  in 
the  effort  to  rally  them,  General  Mercer  was  mortally 
wounded.  General  WASHINGTON  advanced  at  the 
head  of  those  troops  which  had  signalized  themselves 
at  Trenton,  and  exposed  himself  to  the  hottest  fire  of 
the  enemy.  His  men  bravely  supported  him,  and  the 
British  in  their  turn  were  repulsed,  and  the  different 
regiments  separated.  That  in  the  rear,  retreated  with 
little  loss  to  Brunswick.  Colonel  Mawhood  in  the 
van,  with  a  part  of  his  men,  forced  his  way  through 
the  Americans,  and  reached  Trenton.  More  than  a 
hundred  of  the  British  were  left  on  the  field  of  battle, 
and  three  hundred  of  them  were  made  prisoners.  Be- 
sides General  Mercer,  whose  death  was  greatly  la- 
mented, the  Americans  in  this  action  lost  two  Colonels, 
two  Captains,  five  other  officers,  and  nearly  a  hun- 
dred privates. 

On  the  return  of  day,  Lord  Cornwallis  found  that 
he  had  been  out-generalled.  Comprehending  the  de- 
sign of  WASHINGTON,  he  broke  up  his  encampment 
and  with  the  utmost  expedition  retraced  his  steps, 
for  the  preservation  of  the  stores  in  his  rear  ;  and  he 
way  close  upon  the  Americans,  as  they  marched  ou\ 
of  Princeton. 

It  had  been  the  intention  of  General  WASHINGTON  to 
proceed  to  Brunswick,  where  the  British  had  large 
magazines,  and  where  was  their  military  chest,  which 


IU,  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1777 

at  tills  time,  as  it  afterwards  appeared,  contained 
seventy  thousand  pounds  sterling.  But  many  of  his 
soldiers  had  not  slept  for  forty-eight  hours,  none  of 
them  fjr  the  last  twenty-four,  and  they  were  exhaust- 
ed by  excessive  duty.  They  were  closely  pursued  by 
a  superiour  force,  which  must  be  up  with  them  before 
the  stores  at  Brunswick  could  be  destroyed,  should 
tht.y  meet  with  serious  opposition  at  that  place.  Ge 
neral  WASHINGTON  therefore  relinquished  this  part  of 
his-  plan,  and  prudently  led  his  army  to  a  place  of  se- 
curity, to  give  them  the  rest  which  they  greatly 
needed. 

The  successes  of  the  American  arms  at  Trenton, 
and  at  Princeton,  were  followed  by  important  conse 
quences.  The  affairs  of  the  United  States,  before 
these  events,  appeared  to  be  desperate.  Two  thou- 
sand of  the  regular  troops  had  a  right,  on  the  first  of 
January,  to  demand  their  discharge.  The  recruiting 
service  was  at  an  end,  and  general  despondency  pre- 
vailed. The  triumphs  of  the  British  through  the  pre- 
vious parts  of  the  campaign  produced  a  common  ap- 
prehension, in  the  citizens  of  the  middle  states,  that 
any  further  struggle  would  be  useless ;  and  that  Ame- 
rica must  eventually  return  to  her  allegiance  to  Great 
Britain.  Many  individuals  made  their  peace  with  the 
Commissioners,  and  took  protection  from  the  officers 
of  the  crown  ;  and  more  discovered  the  inclination  to 
do  it,  when  opportunity  should  present.  General 
Howe  supposed  New-Jersey  restored  to  the  British 
government,  and  thought  the  war  drawing  to  a  close. 
But  these  successes  were  considered  as  sreat  victories, 
and  produced  consequent  effects  upon  th  >  pubhckmind. 
The  chaiacter  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  propor- 
tionably  rose  in  the  estimation  of  the  great  mass  of 
American  people,  who  now  respected  themselves,  and 
confided  in  their  persevering  efforts  to  secure  the 
great  object  of  contention,  the  independence  of  theii 
country. 


1777.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  HT 

Other  causes  had  a  powerful  operation  upon  the 
m'm-'.s  of  the  yeomanry  of  New-Jorsey.  The  British 
joaunan.lers  tolerated,  or  at  least  neglected  to  restrain, 
gross  licentiousness  in  their  army.  The  inhabitants 
of  the  state,  which  they  boasted  was  restored  to  the 
bosom  of  the  parent  country,  were  treated  not  as  re 
claimed  friends,  but  as  conquered  enemies.  The  sol- 
diery were  guilty  of  every  species  of  rapine,  snd  with 
little  discrimination  between  those  who  had  opposed 
or  supported  the  measures  of  Britain  The  abuse  was 
not  limited  to  the  plundering  of  property.  Every  in 
dignity  was  offered  to  the  persons  of  the  inhabitants, 
oot  excepting  those  outrages  to  the  female  sex,  which 
are  felt  by  ingrnuous  minds  with  the  keenest  anguish, 
and  excite  noble  spirits  to  desperate  resistance.  These 
aggravated  abuses  roused  the  people  of  New-Jersey  to 
repel  that  army,  to  which  they  had  voluntarily  sub- 
mitted, in  the  expectation  of  protection  and  secufity. 
At  the  dawn  of  success  upon  the  American  arms,  thej- 
rose  in  small  bands  to  oppose  their  invaders.  They 
scoured  the  country,  cut  off  every  soldier  who  strag- 
gled from  his  corps  ;  and  in  many  instances  repelled 
the  foraging  parties  of  the  enemy. 

The  enterprising  manoeuvres  of  the  American  Ge- 
neral, and  the  returning  spirit  of  the  Jersey  yeoman- 
ry, rendered  General  Howe,  now  Sir  William,  very 
cautious  and  circumspect.  He  contracted  his  canton- 
ments for  winter  quarters,  and  concentrated  his  force 
in  New-Jersey,  at  Brunswick,  and  Arnboy. 

By  this  time,  the  period  of  service  of  the  Conti- 
nental battalions  had  expired,  and  the  recruits  for  the 
new  army  were  not  yet  in  camp.  Offensive  operations, 
therefore,  were  of  necessity  suspended  by  the  Ameri- 
can General  ;  but,  with  the  small  forces  at  his  disposal, 
he  straitenrd  the  enemy's  quarters,  and  circumscribed 
>heir  foraging  excursions. 

At  Christmas  the  power  of  the  British  was  extend* 
ed  over  the  whole  of  New-Jersey,  and  their  command 


IIS  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1770 

era  boasted,  that  a  corporal's  gtuxrd  might  in  safety  pa 
fade  in  every  part  of  the  province.  Before  the  expira- 
tion of  January,  they  possessed  but  tivo  posts  in  the 
state,  and  these  were  in  the  neighbourhood  of  their 
shipping.  The  power  of  their  arms  extended  not  be- 
yond the  reach  of  the  guns  of  their  fortifications. 
Every  load  of  forage,  and  every  pound  of  provision,  ob- 
tained from  the  inhabitants,  was  procured  by  the  bayo- 
nets of  large  detachments,  and  at  the  price  of  blood 


CHAPTER  IV. 

General  Washington  disposes  his  small  force  for  the  protection  ot 
New-Jersey  —  Army  Inoculated  —  Abuse  of  American  prisoners  — 
The  Exchange  of  General  Lee  refused  —  Stores  at  Peck's  Kill  and 
Danhury  destroyed  —  American  Army  take?  post  at  Middiebrook 
-i-Sir  William  Howe  moves  towards  the  Uilawaro  —  Returns  to 
<?taten  Island  and  embarks  his  troops  —  He  '.ands  at  the  Head  of 
Elk  —  General  Washington  marches  to  meet  him  —  Battle  of  Bran- 
dywine  —  Effects  of  a  Storm  —  British  take  possession  of  Phila- 
delphia —  Mud  Island  and  Red  Bank  fortified  —  Obstructions  in  tho 
Kivcr  —  Attack  on  Mud  Island  —  Count  Doiiop  defeated  —  British 
surmount  the  Fortifications  of  the  River  —  Plan  to  attack  Phila- 
delphia —  Sir  William  Howe  reconnoitres  the  American  camp  at 
White  Marsh  —  The  Army  posted  at  Valley  Forge  —  The  priva 
tiona  of  the  Soldiers  during  the  winter. 

1777.  GENERAL  WASHINGTON  indulged  the  hope 
that  the  brilliant  success,  at  the  close  of  the  last  cam- 
paign, would  stimulate  his  country  to  bring  a  force 
into  the  field,  which  would  enable  him  in  the  course  of 
the  winter,  to  drive  the  enemy  into  New-York,  to 
straiten  their  quarters  and  prevent  their  obtaining  any 
supplies  from  the  neighbouring  counties.  Being  disap- 
pointed in  this  hope,  he  disposed  his  small  force  in  th« 
best  manner  to  protect  New-Jersey,  and  exerted  him- 
self to  prepare  for  the  approaching  season  of  action. 

The  most  pupulitr  officers  %vere  sent  into  tho  states 
in  which  they  had  trie  greatest  influence,  to  aid  the 
recruiting  service,  and  to  push  the  recruits  forward  to 
tamp,  in  small  bodies,  as  they  could  be  made  ready 


I776.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  lt» 

The  army  having  suffered  extremely  from  the  smaL 
pox,  the  General  resolved  that  they  should  be  relieved 
from  the  scourge  and  terrour  of  this  disease.  Orders 
were  accordingly  given  secretly  to  inoculate  the  con- 
tinental soldiers  in  their  winter  quarters ;  and  places 
were  assigned  at  which  the  recruits  were  to  go  through 
the  operation,  as  they  successively  approached  the 
camp.  The  measure  was  attended  with  succesa,  arid 
Sir  William  did  not  avail  himself  of  the  temporary  de- 
bility of  the  American  army. 

Congress  had  also  admitted  the  expectation  of  splen 
did  events  during  the  winter.  In  answer  to  a  letter 
expressing  this  expectation,  the  Commander  in  Chief 
gave  the  following  account  of  the  state  of  his  army. 

"  Could  I  accomplish  the  important  ob 
MARCH  4.  ject,  so  eagerly  wished  by  Congress,  con 
fining  the  enemy  in  their  present  quarters, 
preventing  their  gathering  supplies  from  the  country, 
and  totally  subduing  them  before  they  are  reinforced, 
I  should  be  happy  indeed.  But  what  prospect,  or  hope, 
can  there  be,  of  my  effecting  so  desirable  a  work  at 
this  time  ?  The  enclosed  return,  to  which  I  solicit  the 
most  serious  attention  of  Congress,  comprehends  the 
whole  force  I  have  in  the  Jersey.  It  is  but  a  handful, 
and  bears  no  proportion,  in  the  scale  of  numbers  to 
that  of  the  enemy.  Added  to  this,  the  major  part  ie 
made  up  of  militia.  The  most  sanguine  in  speculation, 
cannot  deem  it  more  than  adequate  to  the  least  valuable 
purposes  of  war."  The  whole  number,  capable  of 
duty  was  short  of  three  thousand.  Two  thirds  of 
these  were  militia,  whose  time  of  service  would  expire 
with  the  month. 

During  the  winter  General  Spencer  planned  an  ex- 
pedition against  the  British  troops  on  Rhode-Island. 
The  Commander  in  Chief  advised  that  the  attempt 
should  not  be  made,  without  the  strongest  probability 
of  success.  The  scheme  was  relinquished,  and  tha 
General  fully  expressed  his  approbation  of  it.  "  It  is 


120  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1776 

right  not  to  risk  a  miscirriage.  Until  we  get  our  new 
army  properly  established,  it  is  our  business  to  play  a 
certain  game,  and  not  to  depend  on  the  militic  foi  any 
thing  capital."  The  weakness  of  General  WASHING- 
TON was  concealed  from  his  friends  and  from  his  foes, 
and  he  was  not  molested  at  head  quarters  by  Sir  Wil 
liam  Howe. 

The  remonstrances  of  the  commander  in  Chief  upon 
the  state  of  the  army,  had  in  some  degree  produced 
their  effect  upon  Congress.  The  corps  of  artillerists 
was  increased  to  three  regiments,  and  the  command 
of  it  given  to  Colonel  Knox,  who  at  this  time  was  pro- 
moted to  be  a  Brigadier  General.  A  resolution  also 
passed  Congress,  to  raise  three  thousand  cavalry  ;  and 
General  WASHINGTON  was  empowered  to  establish  a 
corps  of  engineers.  Few,  if  any,  native  Americans 
having  been  systematically  educated  to  this  branch  of 
war,  the  corps  was  principally  formed  of  foreigners, 
and  General  Du  Portail,  an  officer  of  distinguished 
merit,  was  placed  at  its  head. 

The  arrangement  of  the  army  gave  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  inconceivable  trouble.  Congress,  as 
the  head  of  the  Union  regulated  the  general  military 
system  ;  but  the  governments  of  the  several  states 
were  in  their  respective  departments  sovereign.  In- 
deed the  separate  states  only  possessed  coercive  power. 
These  raised  their  proportion  of  troops,  and  their 
agency  was  blended  with  that  of  Congress  in  clothing 
and  supporting  the  men.  The  state  regulations  re 
specting  bounty  and  pay  were  different,  and  occasioned 
jealousies  in  the  army,  vexations  to  the  General,  and 
destructive  of  subordination  and  discipline.  The  states 
which  conceived  themselves  exposed  to  the  invasion 
of  the  enemy,  discovered  an  inclination  tc  direct  a 
part  of  the  general  force  to  their  security,  or  to  raise 
state  battalions  for  their  defence,  and  to  be  at  their  dis- 
posal. General  WASHINGTON,  in  his  correspondenca 
with  Congress,  and  with  the  state  governments,  repre- 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ISi 

Banted  the  evils  that  must  ensue,  should  any  discrimi- 
nation of  pay  or  treatment  be  made  among  soldiers  of 
the  same  army.  He  also  stated,  that  if  the  force  o* 
the  country  should  be  placed  under  different  heads, 
sufficient  strength  could  not  be  collected  to  defend  any 
one  point ;  and  while  the  general  defence  was  weak 
ened,  it  would  be  impossible,  by  any  disposition  of  the 
army,  to  prevent  the  partial  depredations  of  the  ene- 
my. These  embarrassments  were  happily  overruled 
by  the  personal  influence  of  the  General ;  and  before 
the  campaign  opened,  the  arrangements  of.  the  army 
were  brought  into  order  and  method. 

The  treatment  of  American  prisoners  by  the  Britisk 
commanders  was  another  source  of  vexation  and  diffi- 
culty. At  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  General 
Gage  did  not  view  the  Americans  as  a  community 
contending  for  their  constitutional  rights,  but  as  the 
revolted  subjects  of  his  royal  master,  and  the  unhappy 
men,  whom  the  fortune  of  war  placed  in  his  hands,  he, 
without  regard  to  military  rank,  confined  in  prison  as 
rebels,  with  common  felons.  Against  a  practice  mill 
tating  with  common  usage,  and  calculated  to  in 
crease  the  miseries  of  war,  General  WASHINGTON 
forcibly  remonstrated.  In  a  letter  to  General  Gage, 
he  mentioned,  that  in  his  apprehension,  the  obligations 
of  humanity,  and  the  claims  of  rank  are  universally 
binding,  except  in  the  case  of  retaliation.  He  ex 
pressed  "  the  hope  he  had  entertained,  that  they  would 
have  induced,  on  the  part  of  the  British  General,  q 
conduct  more  conformable  to  the  rights  they  gave 
While  he  claimed  the  benefits  of  these  rights,  he  de- 
clared hiS  determination  to  be  regulated  entirely  in  hia 
conduct  towards  the  prisoners  who  should  fall  into  hia 
hands,  by  the  treatment  which  those  in  the  power  of 
the  British  General  should  receive."  To  this  letter 
a  very  haughty  and  insolent  answer  was  given,  in 
which  General  Gage  retorted  the  charge  of  abuse  to« 
n  anls>  prisoners,  and  stated,  as  a  mark  of  British  cla- 
Vul.  I.  11 


m  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ;7777. 

mency,  that  the  cord  was  not  applied  to  those  of  whos« 
imprisonment  complaint  was  made.  To  this  abusive 
communication,  General  WASHINGTON  replied  in  a 
mariner  worthy  his  character,  and  which  reply,  he  ob- 
served, was  "  to  close  their  correspondence,  perhaps 
for  ever."  He  concluded  witii  saying, "  if  your  officers, 
our  prisoners,  receive  from  me  a  treatment  different 
from  what  I  wished  to  show  them,  they  and  you  will 
remembei  the  occasion  of  it."  Accordingly  all  the 
British  officers  in  his  power  were  put  into  close  jail, 
and  the  soldiers  were  confined  in  places  of  security. 
Directions  were  particularly  given  to  subaltern  agents, 
to  explain  to  the  sufferers  the  causes  which  led  to  this 
severity  of  treatment. 

When  Howe  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the  Bri- 
tish army,  he  admitted  American  officers  to  their  pa- 
role, and  consented  to  an  exchange  of  prisoners  ;  and 
General  WASHINGTON  gladly  resumed  his  former  hu- 
mane treatment  of  captives. 

The  capture  of  General  Lee  furnished  another  cause 
of  irritation  on  this  subject.  He  had  been  a  British 
officer,  and  had  engaged  in  the  American  service  be- 
fore the  acceptance  of  the  resignation  of  his  commis- 
sion. Sir  William  Howe  for  this  reason  pretended  to 
view  him  as  a  traitor,  and  at  first  refused  to  admit  him 
to  his  parole,  or  to  consider  him  as  a  subject  of  ex- 
change. Congress  directed  the  Commander  in  Chief 
to  propose  to  Sir  William  Howe  to  exchange  six  field 
officers  for  General  Lee.  In  case  the  proposal  was  re- 
jected that  body  resolved,  that  these  officers  should  be 
closely  confined,  and  in  every  respect  receive  the 
treatment  thtit  General  Lee  did.  The  proposition  not 
being  acceded  to,  the  resolution  of  Congress  was  car- 
ried into  effect,  by  tlie  Executives  of  the  States,  in 
whose  custody  the  selected  field  officers  were,  with  a 
degree  of  severity  which  the  treatment  of  Genera) 
Lee  did  not  warrant. 

The  general  okuv  of  retaliation,  adopted  by  Congreai 


1777.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1*3 

for  abuses  offered  to  Americans  in  tf  e  power  of  the 
British,  the  sound  judgment  of  General  WASHINGTON 
conceived  to  be  unjust  and  impolitiok,  and  his  humane 
heart  recoiled  at  its  execution.  Some  of  the  resolu- 
tions of  that  honourable  body,  on  this  subject,  ha 
thought  exposed  his  own  honour  to  impeachment  bv 
Sir  William  Howe.  Against  those  resolutions,  he 
pointedly  remonstrated,  and  detailed  the  evils  they 
were  calculated  to  produce  to  the  nation,  and  to  the 
Americans,  prisoners  waih  the  British.  His  representa- 
tions through  a  long  period,  had  not  their  due  effect 
but  eventually  Congress  was  constrained  to  adopt  thft 
measures  he  recommended. 

Resolving  never  himself  to  aggravate  the  miserien 
of  war,  by  wanton  deeds  of  cruelty,  General  WASH- 
INGTON was  disposed  to  adopt  and  execute  those  laws 
of  retaliation,  which  would  constrain  the  enemy  to  con- 
duct their  military  operations  in  the  spirit  of  humanity. 
Repeated  and  heavy  complaints  were  made  of  the 
cruel  treatment  which  the  American  prisoners  received 
in  New-York  ;  and  the  sickly  and  debilitated  state  of 
those,  who  were  sent  out  to  be  exchanged,  confirmed 
the  truth  of  the  charge.  Many  of  them  fainted  and 
died  before  they  reached  head  quarters.  General 
Howe  demanded  that  all  prisoners,  delivered  at  the 
lines  to  an  American  officer,  should  be  accounted  for 
in  the  cartel,  and  British  soldiers  returned  to  the  full 
amount.  General  WASHINGTON  absolutely  refused  to 
reckon  those  who  died  on  their  way  to  the  American 
camp  ;  and  he  unweariedly  exerted  himself  to  correct 
the  abuse  to  American  prisoners.  In  the  beginning 
if  April  this  year,  he  wrote  Sir  William  Howe,  "  It  is 
a  fact  not  to  be  questioned,  that  the  usage  of  our  pri 
soners  while  in  your  possession,  the  privates  at  least, 
was  such  as  could  not  be  justified.  This  was  pro- 
jlaimed  by  the  concurrent  -testimony  of  all  who  came 
out,  their  appearance  sanctified  the  assertion,  and 
melancholy  experience,  in  the  speedy  death  of  a  large 


124  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177> 

part  of  them,  stamped  it  with  infallible  certainty." 
These  measures  induced  the  enemy  to  a  more  humane 
treatment  of  their  prisoners  ;  but  disputes  on  the  sub- 
ject prevented  the  establishment  of  a  regular  cartel 
until  a  late  period  of  the  war. 

In  March  the  enemy  sent  out  two  detachments  to 
destroy  4he  American  stores  at  Peck's  Kill  on  the 
North  River,  and  at  Danbury  in  Connecticut.  Both 
succeeded  in  their  attempt ;  and  although  the  stores 
destroyed  did  not  equal  in  quantity  the  report  on  which 
the  expeditions  were  planned, yet  their  loss  was  sensibly 
felt  by  the  Americans  in  the-active  season  of  the  cam- 
paign. 

In  the  near  approach  of  active  operations.  Congress 
resolved  that  a  camp  should  be  formed  on  the  western 
side  of  Philadelphia.  General  WASHINGTON  had  al- 
ready adopted  his  plan  for  the  campaign,  and  request- 
ed that  this  camp,  if  formed,  should  consist  wholly  of 
militia.  In  the  expectation  that  Sir  William  Howe 
would  either  attempt  to  gain  possession  of  the  High 
lands  on  North  river,  and  co-operate  with  General  Bur- 
goyne  from  Canada  ;  or  rene-w  the  plan  of  the  last 
campaign,  to  march  through  New-Jersey  for  Philadel- 
phia, the  General  determined  to  post  his  army  upon 
the  strong  ground  in  New-Jersey,  north  of  the  mad 
through  Brunswick,  to  Philadelphia.  In  this  position 
he  might  protect  Philadelphia,  and  a  great  part  of 
Nnw-Jersey.  The  situation  was  also  favourable  to 
defend  the  passes  and  forts  on  the  North  river.  To 
this  post  he  wished  to  collect  a  force  sufficient  to  re- 
pel an  assault  from  General  Howe.  In  the  location 
of  his  army,  the  General  had  another  object  of  mag- 
nitude upon  his  mind.  In  his  opinion  it  was  un<^r- 
tain  whether  General  Burgoyne  would  by  sea  join  Sir 
William  Howe,  or  retaining  a  separate  command,  at- 
tempt the  conquest  of  Ticondcroga,  and  an  impression 
upon  the  Hudson.  Which  of  these  measures  would 
be  pursued,  he  could  no*  determine,  until  the  plans  of 


1777.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  12o 

the  enemy  were  unfolded.  To  guard  againut  both,  he 
ordered  the  troops  raised  north  of  the  Hudson  to  be 
divided  between  Ticonderoga  and  Peck's  Kill,  and 
those  south  including  North-Carolina  to  be  stationed 
in  New-Jersey.  The  troops  of  South-Carolina  and 
Georgia  were  left  for  their  own  defence.  By  this  dis- 
position of  his  forces,  the  General  was  in  a  situation 
to  reinforce  Ticonderoga  from  Peck's  Kill,  should  Bur- 
goyne  attack  that  post,  or  reinforce  his  own  army  from 
those  posts,  should  Burgoyne^join  Sir  William  Howe. 

In  pursuance  of  this  plan,  o«  the  last  of  May,  the 
winter  encampment  at  Morristown  was  broken  up, and 
a  camp  formed  at  M-iddlebrook,  about  ten  miles 
from  Brunswick.  The  position  naturally  strong,  was 
strengthened  by  entrenchments.  The  weak  state  of 
the  American  army  required  for  its  safety  every  ad- 
vantage of  ground,  as  well  as  the  utmost  caution  of 
the  General.  On  the  20th  of  May,  the  troops  in  New 
Jersey,  exclusive  of  cavalry  and  artillery,  amounted 
only  to  eight  thousand  three  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight  men,  of  whom  more  than  two  thousand  were 
sick.  The  troops  of  North- Carolina  had  not  then 
joined  the  army,  and  about  five  hundred  of  the  militia 
of  Jersey  were  not  included  in  the  estimate.  Thia 
force  was  in  numbers  much  inferiour  to  the  army  com- 
manded by  Sir  William  Howe,  and  many  of  the  Ame- 
ricans were  recruits,  w^ho  had  never  faced  an  enemy. 

Sir  William  having  collected  his  force  at  Brunswick, 
about  the  middle  of  June,  marched  in  two  columns 
towards  the  Delaware.  By  this  movement,  he  expect 
ed  to  induce  General  WASHINGTON  to  quii  his  fortified 
camp  to  oppose  the  enemy's  passage  of  the  river,  and 
that  a  general'  engagemo.it  would,  in  consequence, 
take  place  on  ground  favourable  to  the  British  com- 
mander. General  WASHINGTON  was  not  ensnared  by 
this  stratagem.  In  a  letter  written  at  the  moment,  hia 
apprehensions  of  this  manoeuvre  are  thus  conveyed- 
"  The  views  of  the  enemy  must  be  to  destroy  thw  at 
11* 


12C  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [ITT? 

my  and  get  possession  of  Philadelphia.  I  am,  how- 
ever,  clearly  of  opinion  that,  they  will  'lot  move  that 
way,  untH  they  have  endeavoured  to  give  a  severe 
blow  to  this  army.  The  risk  would  be  too  great  to  at- 
tempt to  cross  a  river  ;  when  they  must  expect  to 
meet  a  f  jrmidable  opposition  in  front,  and  would  have 
such  a  force  as  ours  in  the  rear.  They  might  possibly 
be  successful,  but  the  probability  would  be  infinitely 
against  them.  .  Should  they  be  imprudent  enough  tp 
make  the  attempt,  I  shall  keep  close  upon  their  heels, 
and  will  do  every  thing  in  my  power  to  make  the  pro- 
ject fatal  to  them." 

"  But  besides  the  argument  in  favour  of  their  intend- 
ing, in  the  first  place,  a  stroke  at  this  army,  drawn 
from  the  policy  of  the  measure,  every  appearance  con- 
tributes to  confirm  the  opinion.  Had  their  design  been 
for  the  Delaware,  in  the  first  instance,  they  would 
orobably  have  made  a  secret,  rapid  march  for  it,  and 
not  have  halted  so  as  to  awaken  our  attention,  and 
give  us  time  to  prepare  for  obstructing  them.  Instead 
of  that,  they  have  only  advanced  to  a  position  neces- 
sary to  facilitate  an  attack  on  our  right,  the  part  in 
which  we  are  most  exposed.  In  addition  to  this1  cir- 
cumstance, they  have  come  out  as  light  as  possible  ; 
leaving  all  their  baggage,  provisions,  boats,  and  bridges 
at  Brunswick.  This  plainly  contradicts  the  idea  oi 
beir  intending  to  push  for  th«  Delaware." 

When  the  British  army  was  collected  at  Brunswick, 
General  WASHINGTON  knowing  that  the  High  .'.vnds 
on  the  Hudson  were  not  exposed,  while  the  e'jemy 
held  that  position,  ordered  a  large  detachment  from 
Peck's  Kill  to  MicWlebrook,  and  he  determined  to  de- 
fend himself  IT,  this  post. 

Finding  that  his  opponent  could  not  be  manoeuvred 
out  of  his  fortified  camp,  the  British  commander  drew 
back  his  troops  to  Staten  Island,  with  <he  design  to 
embark  them  for  the  Delaware  or  the  Chesapeak. 

While  these  manoeuvre?  were  displaying  in   New 


1777.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1» 

Jersey,  intelligence  wa»  received,  that  General  Bur 
goyne,  with  a  powerful  body  of  troops,  was  ca  the 
Lakes,  approaching  Ticonderoga.  General  WASH- 
INGTON immediately  forwarded  large  reinforcements 
to  tin:  Northern  army. 

Soon  after  the  British  transports  sailed  out  of  the 
harbour  of  New- York,  an  intercepted  letter  from  Ge- 
neral He  we  to  General  Burgoyne  was  put  into  the  handr 
of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  which  contained  the  in 
formation  that,  "  He  was  exhibiting  the  appearance  of 
moving  to  the  Southward,  while  his  real  intent  was 
against  Boston,  from  whence  he  would  co-operate  with 
the  army  of  Canada."  General  WASHINGTON  viewing 
this  letter  as  a  finesse,  paid  no  regard  to  it. 

The  policy  of  co-operating  en  the  North  river  with 
the  army' of  Canada,  was  so  evident  to  the  military 
mind  of  the  General,  that  he  conceived  the  movement 
of  Howe  to  be  a  feint,  designed  to  draw  away  the 
American  army,  that  the  British  forces  might  suddenly 
ascend  the  Hudson,  and  seize  the  passes  in  the  moun- 
tains, ho  therefore  moved  his  troops  to  the  neighbour- 
hood of  those  heights,  and  there  waited  the  issue  of 
Sir  WiHiam's  rnanreuvre. 

When  the  apprehension  of  a  sudden  attack  upon  the 
American  works  on  the  North  river,  was  removed  by 
the  length  of  time  Sir  William  Howe  had  been  at  sea, 
General  Washington  marched  his  army  by  divisions 
to  places  which  he  thought  the  most  favourable  to  de- 
fend points  the  enemy  might  attack. 

Whi)e  waiting  the  evolution  of  the  enemy's  plan  of 
the  campaign,  General  WASHINGTON  surveyed  the 
ground  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Philadelphia,  that  he 
might  be  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  probable 
scene  of  approaching  military  operations  On  a  critical 
examination  of  the  fortifications  on  the  Delaware,  he 
advised  Congress  to  confine  the  defence  of  the  river  to 
Mud  Island  and  Red  Bank,  because  the  force  for  de- 


J2rj  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [.1777 

fonce.  collected  at  these  points,  would  product  more 
effect,  than  it  could,  divided  upon  different  parts  of'lhr 
river. 

The  American  army  remained  quietly  in  its  position 
until  tho  21st  of  August.  By  this  time  General  WASH- 
INGTON apprehended  that  General  Howe  had  proceed- 
ed to  Charleston,,  South-Caiolina,  and  he  knew  that 
the  attempt  to  follow  him  to  that  place  would  be  use- 
less. He  therefore  resolved  to  move  his  army  to  the 
North  river,  to  assail  the  enemy  at  New-York,  or  to 
join  the  northern  army  and  oppose  Burgoync.  But  on 
the  very  day  on  which  orders  t«  this  purpose  were  is- 
sued, intelligence  reached  him  that  Sir  William  had 
entered  the  Ohesapeak,  and  was  approachirg  its  head. 
He  had  spent  more  than  twenty  days  in  his  passage, 
and  on  the  2~iih  of  August,  landed  without  opposition 
at  Turkey  Point,  in  Maryland.  His  forco  amounted 
to  eighteen  thousand  men,  abundantly  furnished  with 
every  article  of  warfare. 

As  soon  as  General  WASHINGTON  was  apprized  of 
the  destination  of  the  British  General,  he  put  his  aimj 
in  motion  to  meet  him.  He  marched  through  Phila- 
delphia, that  a  sight  of  hij  forces  might  make  impres- 
sions on  the  minds  of  those  citizens,  who  were  hostile 
to  the  American  cause.  The  effective  force  of  Gene- 
ral Washington  did  not  exceed  eleven  thousand  men. 
The  militia,  on  this  occasion,  turned  out  in  considera- 
ble numbers,  but  the  want  of  arms  rendered  the  ser- 
fires  of  many  of  them  useless. 

On  the  3d  of  September,  the  hostile  armies  approach- 
ed each  other.  General  WASHINGTON,  not  being  in 
force  to  contend  with  his  foe  in  the  open  field,  could 
only  harass  his  line  of  ruarch,  with  lijrht  troops  and 
cavalry,  and  pick  up  stragglers  from  his  camp.  As 
the  Royal  troops  advanced,  Sir  William  manosuvred 
to  gain  the  right  wing  of  the  American  army.  Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON,  to  counteract  his  design,  continued 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  129 

to  fall  back,  until  he  crossed  the  Brandywino  river  at 
Chadd's  ford.  Here  he  made  a  stand  to  dispute  its 
passage  by  the  British. 

The  opinion  of  Congress,  and  the  general  sentiment 
of  the  country,  imposed  on  the  General  the  necessity 
of  hazarding  a  general  action  at  this  place,  for  the  de 
fence  of  Philadelphia. 

Early  in  the  morning,  information  was 
SEPT.  11.  jrought  to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  that 
the  British  army  was  advancing  in  the 
road  to  Chadd's  ford,  and  he  immediately  prepared  to 
dispute  the  passage  of  the  river.  By  ten  o'clock  the 
light  troops  were  driven  over  the  river  to  the  main 
body  of  the  American  army,  and  it  was  every  moment 
expected  that  the  German  General  Knyphausen  would 
attempt  to  force  a  passage.  About  noon,  intelligence 
was  communicated  to  the  General,  that  a  large.column 
of  the  enemy,  with  a  number  of  field  pieces,  had 
marched  up  the  country,  and  fallen  into  the  road  which 
crosses  the  Brandywine  above  its  forks. 

Satisfied  of  4the  correctness  of  this  intelligence,  he 
detached  the  right  wing  of  his  army  to  attack  the  left 
of  this  column,  as  it  marched  down  the  north  side  of 
the  Brandywine,  intending  himself,  with  the  centre 
and  left  wing,  to  recross  the  river,  and  attack  the  di- 
vision of  the  enemy  at  Chadd's  ford*.  While  issuing 
orders  for  the  execution  of  this  daring  plan,  the  first 
intelligence  was  contradicted,  and  the  general  was  in- 
formed, that  the  movement  of  the  column  towards  the 
forks  was  a  feiiit,  and  that  instead  of  crossing  the  ri- 
ver at  that  place,  it  had  rejoined  the  German  troops  at 
Chadd's  ford.  Under  the  uncertainty,  which  this  con- 
tradictory intelligence  produced,  the  General  pru- 
dently relinquished  his  design. 

About  two  o'clock  it  was  ascertained,  that  Sir  Will- 
jam  Howe  in  person  had  crossed  the  Brandvwine  at 
the  forks,  and  was  rapidly  marching  down  the  North 
•ide  of  the  river,  to  attack  the  American  army.  Th« 


130  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  L1777 

Commanoer  in  Chief,  now  ordered  General  Sullivan 
to  form  the  right  wing  to  oppose  the  column  of  Sir 
William.  General  Wayne  was  directed  to  remain  at 
Chadd's  ford  with  the  left  wing,  to  dispute  the  passage 
of  tne  river  with  Knyphausen.  General  Green,  with 
his  division,  was  posted  as  a  reserve  in  the  centre  be- 
tween Sullivan  and  Wayne,  to  rtinforce  either,  as  cir- 
cumstances might  require.  Genera'  Sullivan  march- 
ed up  the  river,  until  he  found  favourable  ground,  on 
which  to  form  his  men ;  his  left  was  near  the  Brandy- 
arine,  a-nd  both  Hanks  were  covered  with  thick  wood. 
At  half  past  four  o'clock,  when  his  line  was  scarcely 
formed,  the  British,  under  Lord  Cornwallis,  commenc- 
ed a  spirited  attack.  The  action  was  for  some  time 
severe ;  but  the  American  right,  which  was  not  pro- 
perly in  order  when  the  assault  began,  at  length  gave 
way,  and  exposed  the  flank  of  the  troops  that  inaintain- 
their  ground,  to  a  destructive  fire,  and  continuing  to 
break  from  the  right,  the  whole  line  finally  gave  way. 

As  soon  as  the  firing  began,  General  WASHINGTON, 
with  General  Green's  division,  hastened  towards  the 
scene  of  action,  but  before  his  arrival,  Sullivan  was 
routed,  and  the  Commander  in  Chief  could  only  check 
the  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and  covered  the  retreat  of 
the  beaten  troops. 

During  these  transactions  General  Knyphausen  as- 
saulted the  works  erected  for  the  defence  of  Chadd'a 
ford,  and  soon  carried  them.  General  Wayne,  by  this 
time  learning  the  fate  of  the  other  divisions,  drew  off 
his  troops.  General  WASHINGTON  retreated,  with  his 
whole  force  that  night  to  Chester.  The  American  loss 
in  "this  battle  was  about  three  hundred  killed,  and  six 
hundred  wounded.  Four  hundred  were  made  priso- 
ners, but  these  chiefly  of  the  wounded. 

Many  of  the  regiments  of  infantry,  and  the  who]« 
corps  of  artillery,  on  this  occasion,  exhibited  the  firm- 
ness and  persevering  courage1  that  would  have  honour- 
ed veteran  troops.  A  fo*v  corps  gave  way  as  soon  a« 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  13) 

pressed  by  the  enemy,  and  their  deficiency  exposed 
those  who  bravely  did  their  duty.  General  How* 
Btatod  his  loss,  in  this  action,  at  one-hundred  killed  and 
four  hundred  wounded.  In  this  battle,  Marquis  Li 
Fayette,  who  had  recently  joined  the  American  army 
was  wounded. 

The  defeat  of  Brandywine  produced  no  depression 
of  spirits  upon  Congress,  the  army,  or  the  country. 
Measures  were  immediately  take,n  to  reinforce  the  ar- 
my. Fifteen  hundred  men  were  marched  from  Peck's 
Kill,  and  large  detachments  of  militia  ordered  into  tho 
field.  The  Commander  in  Chief  was  empowered  to 
impress  all  horses,  wagons,  and  provisions,  necessary 
for  ths  army.  In  orders,  the  general  expressed  his 
his  high  satisfaction  at  the  behaviour  of  the  body  of 
his  ariny  in  the  late  engagement.  Having  allowed  his 
troops  a  short  repose,  he  faced  about  to  meet  the  ene- 
my, fully  resolved  to  try  his  fortune  in  a  genoral  ac- 
tion, before  he  resigned  Philadelphia  to  the  Royal  com 
mander. 

General  WASHINGTON,  perceiving  thai 
SEPT.  15.  the  enemy  were  moving  into  the  Lancas 
ter  road,  towards  the  city,  took  possession 
of  ground  near  the  Warren  tavern,  on  the  loft  of  the 
British,  and  twenty -three  miles  from  Philadelphia. 
The  protection  of  his  stores  at  Reading  was  one  object 
of  this  movement.  The  next  morning  he  was  inform- 
ed of  tire  approach  of  the  British  army.  He  immedi- 
ately put  his  troops  in  motion  to  engage  the  enemy. 
The  advance  of  the  two  hostile  armies  met  and  began 
to  ski'mish,  when  ram  fell,  aYitf  soon  increased  to  a 
violent  storm.  This  providentially  prevented  a  gene- 
ral engagement,  and  rendered  the  retreat  of  the  Ame- 
ricans absolutely  necessary.  The  inferiority  tif  the 
muskets  in  the  hands  of  the  American  soldiery,  which 
had  been  verified  in  every  action,  was  strikingly  illus- 
trated in  this  retreat.  The  gun  locks  were  badly 
CK  de,  and  the  cartridge  boxes  imperfectly  constructed 


32  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1777 

and  this  storm  rendered  most  of  the  arms  unfit  for  use  ; 
and  all  the  ammunition  was  damaged.  The  army  was 
of  consequence  extremely  exposed,  and  their  danger 
oecaine  the  greater,  as  many  of  the  soldiers  were  des- 
titute of  bayonets.  Fortunately  the  tempest,  which 
produced  such  serious  mischief  to  the  Americans,  pre- 
vented the  pursuit  of  the  British. 

General  WASHINGTON,  finding  his  troops  unfitted  for 
action,  relinquished,  from  necessity,  the  immediate  in- 
tention of  a  battle,  and  continued  his  retreat  through 
the  day,  and  most  of  the  night,  amidst  a  cold  and  tem- 
pestuous rain,  and  in  very  deep  roads.  On  a  full  dis- 
covery of  the  extent  of  the  damage  to  the  arms  ard 
ammunition,  the  General  ascended  the  Schuy!kill,and 
crossed  it  at  Warwick  furnace,  to  obtain  a  fresh  sup- 
ply of  ammunition,  and  to  refit  or  replace  the  defective 
muskets.  He  still  resolved  to  risk  a  general  engage- 
ment, for  the  safety  of  the  capital.  He  re- 
SKPT.  19.  crossed  the  Schuylkill  at  Parker's  ferry, 
and  encamped  east  of  that  river,  on  both 
sides  of  Parkyomy  creek,  and  detachments  were  post- 
ed at  the  different  fords,  at  which  the  ef»emv  might  at- 
tempt to  force  a  passage.  As  the  British  army  ap- 
proached the  river,  General  WASHINGTON  posted  his 
army  in  their  front ;  but,  instead  of  forcing  a  passage, 
Sir  William  moved  rapidly  up  the  road  towards  Read- 
ing. The  American  Commander,  supposing  that  hia 
object  was  to  destroy  the  military  stores  at.  that  place, 
and  to  turn  the  right  flank  of  the  American  army, 
inarched  up  the  river  to  Pottsgrove,  leaving  the  lower 
rond  to  the  city  open  to  his  antagonist.  Sir  William 
How<3  availed  himself  of  the  opportunity,  and  on  the 
2^th,  entered  Philadelphia  in  triumph. 

General  WASHINGTON  had  seasonably  taken  the  pre- 
caution to  remove  the  publick  stores  from  the  city, 
and  to  secure  for  the  use  of  the  army,  those  article* 
of  merchandise,  which  their  wants  rendered  of  prima- 
ry necessity.  Colonel  Hamilton,  then  one  of  General 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  133 

WASHINGTON'S  aids,  had  been  sent  into  the  ijity  on 
this  important  business.  By  his  instructions  he  was 
directed  to  proceed  in  his  requisitions  upon  the  stores 
arid  shops  of  Philadelphia  cautiously  but  effectually. 
"  Your  own  prudence  will  point  out  the  least  excep- 
tionable means  to  be  pursued,  but  remember  delicacy, 
and  a  strict  adherence  to  the  ordinary  mode  of  appli 
cation,  must  give  place  to  our  necessities.  We  must, 
if  possible,  accommodate  the  soldiers  with  such  arti 
cles  as  they  stand  in  need  of;  or  we  shall  have  just 
reason  to  apprehend  the  most  injurious  and  alarming 
consequences  from  the  approaching  season." 

From  the  landing  of  the  British  army  at  the  head  of 
the  Elk,  on  the  25th  of  August,  to  the  26th  of  Sep- 
tember, when  they  entered  Philadelphia,  the  American 
troops  had  encountered  a  continued  series  of  active 
operations,  and  the  duty  of  the  General  was  compli- 
cated and  arduous.  Du-ing  this  time,  the  soldiers 
were  destitute  of  baggage,  insufficiently  supplied  with 
provisions,  and  deprived  of  the  comforts  that  adminis- 
ter to  the  support  of  the  human  frame  under  severe 
fatigue.  Without  covering,  they  were  exposed  to 
heavy  rains,  and  obliged  to  inarch,  many  of  them 
without  shoes,  in  deep  roads,  and  to  ford  considerable 
streams. 

The  best  British  writers,  who  have  given  us  a  his- 
tory of  the  revolutionary  war,  highly  applaud  the  ge- 
neralship of  Sir  William  Howe  in  this  part  of  the 
campaign.  Can  they  then  withhold  applause  from  the 
American  Commander,  who  manoeuvred  an  inferiour 
army  in  «.ne  face  of  the  British  General,  and  detained 
him  tl.irty  days,  in  marching  sixty  miles,  from  tho 
hen:i  of  Elk  river  to  Philadelphia,  in  a  country,  in 
which  there  was  not  one  fortified  post,  nor  a  stream 
that  might  not,  at  tliis  season  be  every  wh*re  forded  . 
who  fought  jne  battle,  and  altJ;o»~'..  oealen,  in  five 
days  again  faced  his  enemv  -\tin  the  intention  to  risk 
a.  general  engagement  who,  when  in  the  moment  of 

Voi.  I.  12 


134  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1777 

cation,  was  providentially  obliged  to  retreat,  with  mus- 
kets and  ammunition  unfit  for  use,  extricated  himself 
from  his  perilous  situation  and  once  more  placed  him- 
self in  fiont  of  the  invading  foe  ;  who  at  last  was  In- 
duced to  open  the  Philadelphia  road  to  the  British  Ge- 
neral, not  because  he  was  beaten  in  the  field,  but 
through  the  influence  of  circumstances,  which  no 
militar;,  address  could  counteract. 

Four  regiments  of  grenadiers  were  posted  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  the  other  corps  of  the  British  army  were 
cantoned  at  Germantown.  The  first  object  of  Sir 
Williau»  was  to  subdue  the  defences  and  remove  the 
impediments  of  the  Dela%vare,  that  a  communication 
might  be  opened  with  the  British  shipping.  General 
WASHINGTON  made  every  effort  to  prevent  the  execu- 
tion of  the  enemy's  design,  in  the  hope  of  forcing  Ge- 
neral Howe  out  of  Philadelphia,  by  preventing  sup- 
plies of  provisions  from  reaching  him.  Of  the  attain- 
ment of  this  important  object,  he  had  no  doubt,  could 
the  passage  of  the  Delaware  be  rendered  impractica 
ble.  To  this  purpose  works  had  been  erected  on  a 
bank  of  mud  and  sand  in  the  rrver,  near  the  conflu- 
ence of  the  Schuylkill,  and  aHout  seven  miles  below 
Philadelphia.  The  place,  from  these  works,  was  de- 
nominated Fort  Island,  and  the  works  themselves  Fort 
MifHin.  On  a  neck  of  land  on  the  opposite  shore  of 
New-Jersey,  called  Red  Bank,  a  fort  was  constructed 
and  mounted  witli  heavy  artillery,  and  called  Fort 
Mercer.  Fort  Island  and  Red  Bank,  were  distant 
from  each  other  half  a  mile.  In  the  channel  of  the 
Delaware,  which  ran  between  them,  two  ranges  of 
Chevauxdefrise  were  sunk.  These  consisted  of  large 
pieces  of  timber,  strongly  framed  together,  and  point- 
ed  with  iron,  and  they  completely  obstructed  the  pas- 
aage  of  ships.  These  works  were  covered  by  several 
galleys,  floating  batteries,  and  armed  ships. 

Sir  William  Howe  having  detached  a  considerable 
torce  from  Germantown  to  operate  against  the  work* 


1777.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  J35» 

on  the  Delaware,  General  WASHINGTON  thought  this 
»a  favourable  opportunity  to  attack  the  British  army  in 
their  cantonments.  The  line  of  the  British  encamp- 
ment crossed  the  village  of  Germantown  at  right 
angles,  near  its  centre  ;  and  its  flanks  were  strongly 
covered. 

General  WASHINGTON  now  commanded  a  force  con- 
sisting of  about  eight  thousand  continental  troops  and 
three  tliousand  militia.  The  General's  plan  was  to 
attack  both  wings  of  the  enemy  in  front,  and  rear  at 
the  same  time.  The  arrangements  having  been  made, 
the  army  was  moved  near  the  scene  of  action  on  the 
evening  of  the  4th  of  October.  The  divisions  of  Sul- 
livan and  Wayne,  flanked  by  Conway's  Brigade,. were 
to  enter  Germantown  by  the  way  of  Chestnut  Hill, 
and  attack  the  left  wing  of  the  British.  General  Arm- 
strong with  the  Pennsylvania  militia  was  ordered  to 
fall  down  the  Manatawny  road,  and  turning  the  British 
left  flank,  attack  its  rear.  The  divisions  of  Green  and 
Stephen,  flanked  by  M  Dougal's  Brigade,  were  to  take 
a  circuit  by  the  way  of  Limekiln  road,  and  entering  at 
the  market-house,  attack  the  right  wing.  The  militia 
of  Maryland  and  New-Jersey,  under  General  Small- 
wood  and  General  Forman,  were  to  march  down  the 
old  York  road,  and  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  British 
right.  The  division  of  Lord  Sterling,  and  the  bri 
gades  of  Nash  and  Maxwell  were  to  form  a  corps  de 
reserve. 

About  sunrise  the  next  morning,  the  fronJ 
OCT.  8.  of  General  Sullivan's  column,  which  t.i« 
Commander  in  Chief  accompanied,  drove  hi 
the  British  piquet  at  Mount  Airy.  The  main  body  ol 
this  division  soon  engaged  the  British  light  infantry 
and  the  fortieth  regiment  of  foot,  and  obliged  them  to 
give  way,  leaving  all  their  baggage  behind.  General 
Green  in  half  an  hour  after  Sullivan  reached  the 
ground  of  action,  attacked  and  drove  in  the  troops  in 
front  of  the  ri^ht  wing  <*£  the  enemy.  Several  brigade* 


136  LIFE  OP  ASHlISGTON.  [1777 

of  Sullivan's  and  of  Green's  divisions  penetrated  the 
town.  The  enemy  appeared  to  be  surprised,  and  » 
fair  prospect  of  eventual  success  in  the  assault  pre- 
sented itself  to  the  mind  of  the  American  General. 

The  flattering  expectations,  which  the  successful 
commencement  of  the  enterprise  excited,  were  soon 
succeeded  by  disappointment  and  mortification.  As 
the  British  retreated  before  General  Sullivan's  divi- 
sion, Colonel  Musgrave  took  post  with  six  companies 
of  light  troops  in  a  stone  house,  from  which  he  severe- 
verely  galled  the  Americans  in  their  advance.  At- 
tempts were  made  to  dislodge  him,  but  they  proved 
ineffectual,  and  the  American  line  was  checked  and 
thrown  into  disorder.  The  morning  being  extremely 
fog-gy,  the  Americans  could  neither  perceive  the  situa- 
tion of  the  enemy,  nor  take  advantage  of  their  own 
success.  The  ground  to  which  some  of  the  British 
corps  was  pursued  had  many  enclosures,  which  broke 
the  American  line  of  inarch,  and  some  of  the  regi- 
ments, in  their  ardour  to  push  forward,  separated  from 
their  brigades,  were  surrounded  and  taken  prisoners 
In  the  moment  of  supposed  victory,  the  troops  retreat 
cd,  and  the  efforts  of  their  Generals  to  rally  them, 
were  fruitless.  The  militia  were  never  seriously 
brought  into  action.  General  WASHINGTON,  perceiv- 
ing that  victory  had,  on  this  occasion,  eluded  his  grasp, 
contented  himself  with  a  safe  and  honourable  retreat. 

In  this  bold  assault,  two  hundred  Americans  were 
killed,  six  hundred  v  junded,  and  four  hundred  taken 
prisoners.  Among  the  killed  was  Brigadier  General 
Nash.  The  British  loss  was  one  hundred  killed  and 
four  hundred  wounded.  Among  the  killed  were  Bri- 
gadier Agnew  and  Colonel  Bird.  This  enterprise,  aa 
far  as  the  Commander  in  Chief  was  concerned  in  it, 
was  honourable.  Its  ultimate  failure  must  be  attributed 
to  the  want  of  discipline  and  experience  in  his  men 
Congress  fully  approved  of  the  plan  o"  this  assault, 
B«I!  applauded  the  courage  displayed  in  ts  execution 


•777.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  J;37 

They  voted  their   thanks  to  the  General,  and  to  tha 
arm  y . 

The  works  in  the  Delaware  now  engaged  the  atten- 
tion of  the  British  and  American  Generals.  Sir  Will- 
iam Howe  broke  up  his  encampment  at  Germantown, 
and  moved  his  whole  army  into  Philadelphia.  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTON  placed  confidential  garrisons  in 
Fort  Mercer  at  Rod  Bank,  and  in  Fort  MifHin  on  Mud 
Island,  but  he  had  not  a  force  equal  to  their  complete 
defence.  He  appointed  detachments  to  intercept  tho 
transportation  of  provisions  from  the  British  ships  be 
low  the  American  works  to  Philadelphia.  He  called 
upon  the  government  of  New-Jersey  to  turn  out  tho 
militia  of  that  state,  to  form  a  camp,  in  the  rear  of  Red 
Bank  ;  and  he  set  patroles  of  militia  on  the  roads 
leading  to  Philadelphia,  both  in  Pennsylvania  and  New- 
Jersey,  to  prevent  the  disaffected  inhabitants  from 
carrying  their  articles  into  the  market  of  Philadelphia. 
To  avail  himself  of  any  favourable  opportunity  to  an- 
noy tho  enemy,  he  moved  his  army  to  White  Marsh, 
distant  only  fifteen  miles  from  the  city- 
Lord  Howe,  by  continued  exer'mn,  having  over- 
come the  obstructions  which  the  Americans  had 
placed  in  the  river  at  Billingsport.,  a  joint  attack  by 
sea  ard  land  was  planned  against  Red  Bank  and  Fort 
Island.  The  Augusta,  a  sixty-four  gu"  ship,  the  Mer- 
lin frigate,  and  several  small  armed  vessels  moved 
up  the  Delaware  to  assault  the  works  on  Fort  or  Mud 
Island.  Count  Donop  crossed  into  N^w-Jersey  With 
twelve  hundred  Germans,  and  in  the  evnning  of  the 
22d  appeared  before  Fott  Mercer,  on  Red 
OCT.  22.  Bank.  His  assault  was  highly  snirited,  an<i 
the  defence  intrepid  and  obstinate  Colojiel 
Green  the  commandant,  whose  garrison  did  nol  exceed 
five  hundred  men,  was  unable  to  man  the  outworks 
From' these  he  galled  the  Germans  in  their  advance, 
End  on  their  near  approach  he  quitted  them,  and  re- 
tired within  the  inner  intrenchments.  The  enemy 
12* 


)38  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1777 

pressed  forward  with  undaunted  bravery,  and  tho 
Americans  poured  upon  them  a  deadly  fire.  Count 
Donop  was  himself  mortally  wcunded  at  the  head 
of  his  gallant  corps  ;  the  second  in  command  soon 
lifter  fell,  and  the  third  immediately  drew  off  his 
forces. 

The  assailants  had  four  hundred  men  killed  and 
wounded.  The  garrison  fighting  under  cover,  had 
only  thirty  killed  and  wounded.  Had  the  camp  of 
militia  been  for"med  in  the  rear  of  Red  Bank,  agreeably 
to  General  WASHINGTON'S  desire,  this  whole  corps 
would  probably  have  been  made  prisoners. 

In  the  mean  time,  Fort  MirHin  was  attacked  by  the 
shipping,  and  by  batteries  erected  on  the  Pennsylvania 
shore.  Incessant  vollies  of  bombs  and  cannon  balls 
were  discharged  upon  it.  But  at  ebb  tide  the  Augus- 
ta and  Merlin  grounded,  and  were  burnt.  The  garri 
son  supported  this  tremendous  fire  without  material 
Injury. 

The  resistance  of  the  forts  on  the  Delaware  far  ex 
ceeding  the  expectations  of  the  British  commanders, 
they  adopted  measures  to  overcome  it,  without  the 
hazard  of  a  second  assault.  They  erected  batteries 
upon  Province  Island,  within  five  hu-ndred  yards  of  the 
American  fort.  They  also  brought  up  tlie'ir  shipping, 
gun  boats,  &c.  and  from  the  10th  to  the  Kith  of  Novem- 
ber, battered  the  American  works.  Ly  this  time  the 
defences  were  entirely  beaten  down,  every  piece  of 
cannon  was  dismounted,  and  one  of  the  ships  approach- 
ed so  near  Fort  Mifflin  as  to  throw  hand  grenades  from 
her  tops  into  it,  which  killed  men  upon  the  platform. 
The  brave  garrison  received  orders  to  quit  the  post. 
Red  Bank  being  no  longer  useful,  its  garrison  and 
stores  were  also  withdrawn  on  the  approach  of  Lord 
Cornwallis  with  five  thousand  men  to  invest  it. 

While  these  transactions  were  going  on,  the  enter 
prising  spirit  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  was  employ- 
ed to  explore  an  opening  through  which  to  attack  liii 


I777.J          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  139 

adversary  He  clearly  saw  the  Importance  of  drivin^ 
•Jie  British  from  Province  Island  ;  but  fifteen  hundred 
nen,  in  the  opinion  of  his  general  officers,  were  ne- 
lessary  to  effect  this  object.  This  detachment  could 
each  the  place  of  assault  only  by  marching  down  a 
leek  of  land  six  miles  in  lenglh  almost  in  sight  of  the 
British  General,  who  might  easily  cut  off  the  retreat 
of  the  American  detachment,  unless  it  should  be  pro- 
tected by  a  strong  covering  party.  To  furnish  this 
party,  General  WASHINGTON  must  expose  his  army 
with  all  his  stores  and  artillery  to  Sir  William.  Or, 
if  he  moved  his  whole  army  over  the  Schuylkill,  all 
the  magazines  and  hospitals  in  his  rear,  might  without 
opposition  be  seized.  Red  Bank  would  also  be  expos- 
ed, through  which  reinforcements  of  men,  and  supplies 
of  ammunition  and  provisions  passed  to  Fort  Island. 
He  was  therefore  constrained  to  watch  the  progress  of 
his  enemy,  without  making  efficient  attempts  to  check 
him. 

The  fortifications  of  the  Delaware  being  surmount- 
ed, the  impediments  in  the  channel  of  the  river  were, 
without  great  difficulty,  removed.  In  six  weeks  of  in- 
cessant effjtt,  the  British  commanders  gained  the  free 
navigation  of  the  Delaware,  and  opened  the  commu- 
nication between  their  fleet  and  army. 

Dur:n«r  the  excursion  of  Lord  Cornwallis  into  New- 
Jersey,  with  a  design  to  invest  Fort  Mercer,  General 
WASHINGTON  was  urged  to  attack  Philadelphia.  The 
wishes  of  Congress,  and  the  expectation  of  the  publick, 
gave  weight  to  the  proposed  measure.  The  plan  was 
that  General  Green  should  silently  fall  down  the  Dela- 
ware, at  a  specified  time,  attack  the  rear  of  General 
Howe,  and  gain  possession  of  the  bridge  over  the 
Schuylkill ;  that  a  powerful  force  should  march  down 
>n  the  west  side  of  th-*t  river,  and  from  the  heights  in- 
£lade  the  British  wo"ks  on  that  side,  while  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  vith  the  main  body  of  the  army, 
should  attack  fourteen  redoubts,  and  tne  lines  of  tn« 


140  LIFK  OF.  WASHINGTON.  [177? 

enemy  extending  from  llin  Delaware  to  the  SchuylkiJ^ 
which  constituted  their  defence  in  front. 

The  sound  mind  of  General  WASHINGTON  was  not 
so  much  dazzled  by  a  prospect  of  the  brilliance  and 
fame  which  the" success  of  tins  enterprise  would  throw 
around  himself,  and  his  army,  as  to  engage  in  the  des- 
perate attempt.  Nor  was  he  disposed  to  sacrifice  the 
se. .ety  of  hid  country,  upon  the  altar  of  publick  opinion. 
He  gave  the  following  reasons  for  rejecting  the  plan  , 
that  the  army  in  1'hilad  :lphia  was  in  number  at  least 
equal  to  his  own  ;  it  could  not  reasonably  be  expected, 
that  the  several  corps  engaged,  could  co-operate  in  thai 
joint  and  prompt  manner,  which  was  necessary  to  suc- 
cess ;  in  all  probability  the  movement  of  General 
Green  could  not  be  made  in  the  face  of  a  vigilant  ene- 
my without  discovery,  which  was  essential — if  the  se- 
veral divisions  were  in  the  onset  successful,  the  re- 
doubts taken,  the  lines  surmounted,  and  the  British 
army  driven  within  the  city,  the  assault  then  must  be 
extremely  hazardous  ;  an  artillery  superiour  to  their 
own,  would  be  planted  to  play  upon  tl»e  front  of  the 
assailing  columns,  and  the  brick  houses  would  be  lined 
•with  a  formidable  infantry,  to  thin  their  Hanks ;  a  de- 
feat, which,  calculating  upon  the  scale  of  probability 
must  be  expected,  would  ruin  the  army,  and  open  the 
country  to  the  depredation  of  the  enemy  ;  the  hardy 
enterprises  and  stubborn  conflicts  of  two  campaigns, 
had  given  the  British  general  only  the  command  of 
two. or  three  towns,  protected  in  a  great  measure  by 
Jie  shipping,  why  then  forego  the  advantage  of  con- 
fining the  British  army  in  narrow  quarters,  to  ;>lace 
the  stores  ii>  camp,  and  the  very  independence  of 
America  at  risk  upon  this  forlorn  hope.  The  General 
was  supported  in  his  opinion  by  those  offcers  in  whosa 
judgment  he  placed  the  most  confidence,  and  he  dis- 
regarded the  clamours  of  ignorance  and  rashness. 

On  the  4th  of  December,  Sir  William  Howe  march- 
lid  his  whole  army  out  of  Philadelphia  to  White  Marsh 


1777  ]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  141 

the  encampment  of  General  WASHINGTON".  He  took 
a  position  on  Chestnut  Hill  in  front  of  the  American 
right  wing.  Mr.  Stedman,  a  British  historian,  of  the 
revolutionary  war,  who  at  this  time  was  with  Sir  Will 
iain,  states  his  force  at  fourteen  thousand  men.  The 
Continental  troops  at  White  Marsh  amounted  to  about 
twelve  thousand,  anr1  the  militia  to  three.  The  ground 
of  the  Americans  was  strong,  but  BO  fortifications  had 
been  erected.  Never  before  had  General  WASHINGTON 
met  his  enemy  in  this  manner,  with  a  superiority  of 
numbers.  He  wished  to  be  attacked,  but  was  not  dis- 
posed to  relinquish  the  advantage  of  ground. 

The  British  Commander  spent  the  6th  in  recon- 
noitring the  American  right.  At  night  he  marched  to 
their  left  on  the  hill,  which  here  approached  nearer 
to  their  camp,  and  took  a  good  position  within  a  mile 
of  it.  The  next  day  ho  advanced  further  to  the 
American  left,  and  in  doing  it  approached  still  nearer 
this  wing.  General  WASHINGTON  made  some  changes 
in  the  disposition  of  his  troops  to  oppose  with  a  greater 
force  the  attack  he  confidently  expected  on  his  left. 
Momentarily  expecting  the  assault,  he  rode  through 
each  brigade  of  the  army,  with  perfect  composure,  giv- 
ing his  orders,  animating  his  men  to  do  their  duty  to 
their  country,  and  exhorting  them  to  depend  principally 
en  the  bayonet.  During  these  manoeuvres,  some  sharp 
skirmishing  took  place.  At  evening  the  disposition  of 
General  Howe  indicated  the  design  to  attack  the  next 
morning.  The  American  Commander  impatiently 
waited  the  assault,  promising  himself  some  compensa- 
tion for  the  disasters  of  the  campaign  in  the  issue  of 
this  battle.  But  his  hopes  were  disappointed.  On  the 
afternoon  of  the  eighth,  Sir  William  returned  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, with  such  rapidity  as  nut  to  be  overtaken  by 
the  American  light  troops,  which  were  sent  cut  to  ha 
rass  his  rear. 

Sir  William  Howe  mov<><!  out  of  Philadelphia  with 
t  professed  d' sigu  to  aita«.k  General  WASHINGTON 


142  UFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1777 

and  to  drive  him  over  the  mountain.  He  must  have 
felt  mortification  in  receding  from  this  intention,  and 
by  it  acknowledging  in  the  face  of  the  world,  the  re- 
spect he  entertained  for  the  military  talents  of  his  op- 
ponent, and  proclaiming  his  reluctance  to  engage  an 
American  army  of  equal  numbers,  unleus  he  could 
command  the  ground  of  action. 

Ti  j  American  troops  were  badly  clothed,  and  were 
{jer.^-illy  destitute  of  blankets.  The  winter  setting  in 
with  severity,  it  became  necessary  to  lodge  them  in 
winter  quarters.  The  General  had  revolved  the  sub- 
ject in  his  mind,  and  weiglved  all  its  difficulties.  Should 
be  quarter  his  army  in  villages,  his  men  would  be  ex- 
posed to  the  destructive  enterprises  of  partisan  British 
corps',  and  a  large  district  of  country  would  be  opened 
to  tne  forage  of  the  enemy.  To  remedy  these  dangers 
and  inconveniences,  the  General  resolved  to  march  hia 
army  to  Valley  Forge,  a  strong  position  back  of  Phila- 
delphia, covered  with  wood,  and  there  shelter  them. 
On  the  march  to  the  place,  for  the  first  time  the  dispo- 
sition for  the  winter  was  announced.  He  applauded 
the  past  fortitude  of  the  army,  and  exhorted  them  to 
bear  their  approaching  hardships  with  the  resolution 
of  soldiers,  assuring  them  that  the  puhlick  good,  and 
not  his  inclination,  imposed  them.  The  men  bore  their 
temporary  sufferings  with  patience.  They  felled  trees, 
and  of  logs  built  themselves  huts,  closing  their  cre- 
vices with  mortar,  and  soon  assumed  the  form  and  or- 
d«.r  of  an  encampment.  Light  troops  were  stationed 
af-Mind  Fhiladelphia  to  straiten  the  enemy's  quarters, 
and  to  cut  off  their  communication  with  those  of  the 
coumtry  wlw  -were  disposed  to  supply  them  with  pro- 
vision. •  . 

On  the  2*2d.  of  December  the  Commissary  annotme 
ed  the  alarming  fact,  that  the  last  rations  in  store  had 
been  served  to  the  troops.  A  small  number  of  the 
men  discovered  a  disposition  to  mutiny  at  a  privation 
*br  which  they  could  not  amount,  but  in  the  criminal 


777.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  /43 

inattention  of  their  country  ;  but  the  majority  of  lh« 
Brmy  submitted  to  the  scarcity  without  a  murmur 
General  WASHINGTON  ordered  the  country  to  be  scour 
ed,  and  provisions  to  be  seized  wherever  they  could  be 
found.  At  the  same  time  he  stated  the  situation  of 
the  army  to  Congress,  and  warned  that  body  of  the 
dangerous  consequences  of  this  mode  of  obtaining  sup- 
plies. It  was  calculated  he  said,  to  ruin  the  discipline 
of  the  soldiers,  and  to  raise  in  them  a  disposition  for 
plunder  and  licentiousness.  It  must  create  in  tin 
minds  of  the  inhabitants  jealousy  and  dissatisfaction 
"  I  regret  the  occasion  which  compelled  me  to  the 
measure  the  other  datr,  and  shall  consider  it  among 
the  greatest  of  our  misfortunes  to  be  under  the  neces- 
sity of  practising  it  again.  I  am  now  obliged  to  keep 
several  parties  from  the  army  threshing  grain,  that 
our  supplies  may  not  fail,  but  tnis  will  not  do."  —  Dur 
ing  the  whole  winter,  the  sufferings  of  the  troops  at 
Valley  Forge  were  extreme. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Progress  and  Tssue  of  the  Northern  Campaign  —  Plan  to  displaca 
General  \Vnslungton  —  His  Correspondence  on  the  Subject  —  Ket- 
ter  of  (icntrul  Gates  —  Remonstrance  of  the  legislature  of  Penn- 
sylvania against  closing!  he  Campaign  —  Observations  of  theCora- 
mamter  in  Chief  upon  it  —  Sufferings  of  the  Army  for  the  want  of 
Provisions  and  Clothing  —  Measures  adop.ed  by  the  Commander 
in  Chief  to  obtain  Supplies  —  Methods  taken  to  Recruit  th?  Army 
•  -fir  Henry  CJiuton  appointed  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  British 
Forces  —  He  evacuates  Philadelphia,  and  marches  tl.  rough  New- 
Jersey  to  New-  York  —  General  Washington  pursues  him  —  Battle 
of  Monmouth—  Thanks  of  Congress  to  the  General  and  Army- 
General  U«ie  censured  —  Fie  demands  a  Court  Martial,  and  is  sus- 
pended from  his  command  —  French  Fleet  appears  on  tl>e  Ameri- 
can Coast—  Ex|K)dition  against  Rhode-Island—  It  fails-  Uisalfec- 
tion  helween  the  American  and  French  Officers  —  Measures  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  to  prevent  the  ill  Consequence"  of  it  —  Array 
goes  into  Winter  Quarters  in  the  High  Lands. 

1777.  DURING  these  transactions  in  the  middle 
States,  the  northern  campaign  had  terminated  in  tii« 
captuie  of  General  Burgovne  and  army.  That  de- 


144  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1777 

partment  had  ever  been  considered  as  a  separate  com- 
mand, and  more  particularly  under  the  direction  of 
Cons'  ress.  Bnt  the  opinion  of  the  Commander  iiv 
Chief  hf.d  been  consulted  in  many  of  its  transactions, 
and  moat  of  its  details  had  passed  through  his  hands 
Through  him  that  army  had  been  supplied  with  the 
greater  part  of  its  artillery,  ammunition,  and  »ro- 
visions. 

Upon  the  loss  of  Ticonderoga,  and  the  disastrous 
i:\ents  which  followed  it,  he  exerted  himself  to  stop 
the  career  of  General  Burgoyae,  although  by  this  ei 
eitiort,  he  weakened  himself  in  his  conflict  with  Sir 
William  Howe.  Without  waiting  for  the  order  of 
Congress,  in  his  own  name  he  called  out  the  militia  of 
New-England,  and  directed  General  Lincoln  to  com- 
mand them.  Strong  detachments  were  sent  to  the 
northward  from  his  own  army.  General  Arnold,  who 
had  already  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  field, 
was  sent  at  the  head  of  these  reinforcements,  in  the 
expectation  that  his  influence  would  do  much  to  re- 
animate the  northern  forces  and  inspirit  them  to  rioble 
exertions.  Soon  after  Colonel  Morgan  with  his  regi- 
ment, the  best  partisan  corps  in  the  American  army, 
was  also  detached  to  that  service.  General  WASH- 
INGTON encouraged  General  Schuyler  to  look  forward 
to  brighter  fortune.  "  The  evacuation  of  Ticondero- 
ga and  Mcunt  Independence,"  said  he,  in  a  letter  to 
that  General,  "  is  an  event  of  chagrin  and  surprise, 
not  apprehended,  nor  within  the  compass  of  my  rea 
soning.  This  stroke  is  severe  indeed,  and  haa  dis- 
tressed us  much.  But  notwithstanding  things  at  pre- 
sent wear  a  dark  and  gloomy  aspect,  1  hope  a  spirited 
opposition  will  check  the  progress  of  General  Bur- 
goyne's  arms,  and  that  the  confidence  derived  from 
success  will  hurry  him  into  measures,  that  will  in 
their  consequences  he  favourable  to  us.  We  should 
never  despair.  Our  situation  has  before  been  unpro- 
mising, but  has  changed  for  the  better,  so  I  trust  it 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  145 

will  again.  If  new  difficulties  arise,  we  must  only  put 
forth  new  exertions,  and  proportion  our  efforts  to  the 
exigency  of  tlte  times."  When  informed  by  General 
Schuyler,  that  Burgoyne  had  divided  his  force  to  act 
in  different  quarters,  General  WASHINGTON  foresaw 
the  conseqticnces,  and  advised  to  the  measures  that 
proved  fatal  to  that  commander.  "  Although  our  af- 
fairs;"  replied  he  to  General  Schuyler,  "  have  some 
days  past  worn  a  dark  and  gloomy  aspect,  I  yet  look 
forward  to  a  fortunate  and  happy  issue.  I  trust  Gene- 
ral Burgoyne's  army  will  sooner  or  later,  experience 
an  effectual  check  ;  and,  as  I  suggested  before,  that 
tlte  success  he  had  will  precipitate  his  ruin.  From 
your  account  he  appears  to  be  pursuing  tha*  line  of 
conduct,  which  of  a!l  others  is  most  favourable  to  us 
I  mean  acting  by  detachments.  This  conduct  wil 
certainly  give  room  for  enterprise  on  our  part,  and  ex 
pose  his  parties  to  great  hazard.  Could  we  be  so  hap 
py  as  to  cut  one  of  them  off,  though  it  should  not  ex 
ceed  four,  five,  or  syc  Hundred  men,  it  would  inspirit 
the  people,  and  do  away  much  of  their  present  anxiety. 
In  such  an  event,  they  would  lose  sight  of  past  rain- 
fortunes  ;  and.  urged  at  the  same  time  by  a  regard  to 
their  own  security,  they  would  fly  to  arms  and  afford 
every  aid  in  their  power." 

The  community  was  not  intimately  acquainted  with 
the  state  of  things  in  the  northern  department.  In 
consequence,  strong  prejudices  were  excited  against 
General  Schuyler.  On  account  of  this  popular  preju- 
dice, Congress  conceived  it  prudent  to  change  the 
General  of  this  army,  and  the  Commander  in  Chief 
was  requested  to  nominate  a  successor  to  Gene  raj 
Schayler.  Through  delicacy  he  declined  this  nomi 
nation ;  but  never  did  the  semblance  of  envy  at 
the  good  fortune  of  General  Gates,  n-ho  n  Congress 
appointed,  appear  in  any  part  of  General  WASIIINO- 
TON'S  conduct.  His  patriotism  induced  him  to  aid  thi« 
subordinate  General  by  every  means  in  his  power,  and 

VOL.  I.  13 


146  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       "   [1777 

the  successes  of  the   northern  army    filled   his  heart 
with  unassembled  joy 

This  magnanimity  was  not  in  every  instance  repaid. 
The  brilliant  issue  of  the  northern  campaign  in  1777, 
east  a  glory  around  General  Gates,  and  exalted  his  mili- 
tary reputation.  During  his  separate  command,  some 
partsof  his  conduct  did  not  correspond  with  the  ingenu- 
ousness and  delicacy  with  which  he  had  been  treated 
by  the  Commander  in  Chief.  After  the  action  of  the 
19th  of  September,  when  it -was  ascertained  that  Ge- 
neral Gates's  force  was  superiour  to  that  of  the  British 
General,  and  was  increasing,  General  WASHINGTON 
apprehended  that  General  Gates  might  return  him 
Colonel  Morgan's  corps,  whose  services  he  greatly 
needed  while  the  enemy  was  marching  through  Penn- 
sylvania. But  unwilling  absolutely  to  order  the  re- 
turn of  Morgan,  lie  stated  that  General  Howe  was 
pressing  him  with  a  superiour  force,  and  left  General 
Gates  to  act  in  the  concern  according  to  his  discretion. 
General  Gates  retained  the  corps,  and  mentioned  as 
his  reason,  "  Since  tlie  action  of  the  19th  the  ene- 
my have  kept  the  ground  they  occupied  on  the  morn- 
ing of  that  day  and  fortified  their  camp.  The  ad- 
vance sentries  of  my  piquets  are  posted  withiu  shot, 
and  opposite  those  of  the  enemy.  Neither  side  has 
given  ground  an  inch.  In  this  situation  your  Excel- 
lency would  not  wish  me  to  part  with  the  corps,  tlie 
army  of  General  Burgoyne  is  most  afraid  of."  He 
neglected  to  inform  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  hki 
subsequent  successes  over  the  enemy. 

When  the  intelligence  of  the  surrender  of  the  British 
aimy  reached  head  quarters,  the  Commander  in  Chief 
despatched  Colonel  Hamilton,  one  of  his  aids,  la  Gene- 
eral  Gates,  to  state  his  own  critical  situation,  ai.d  make 
known  his  earnest  wishes,  that  reinforcements  should 
be  forwarded  to  him  with  the  utmost  expedition.  Colo- 
nel Hamilton  found  that  General  Gat.es  had  retained 
Cour  Brigades  at  Albany  with  a  design  to  attajzii  1  icon- 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  141 

derogra  in  the  course  of  the  next  winter.  With  difficulty 
and  delay  he  obtained  an  order  to  move  three  Brigades. 

Colonel  Hamilton  was  also  charged  with  a  similar 
message  to  General  Putnam  in  the  High  Lands,  and 
directed  to  accelerate  the  movement  of  reinforcements 
from  that  post.  But  General  Putnam  in  view  of  an 
r.ttcmpt  upon  New-York  discovered  a  disposition  to 
retain  under  his  command  that  portion  of  the  northern 
army  which  had  been  sent  to  the  High  Lands.  Colonel 
Hamilton  was  obliged  to  borrow  money  of  Ger.:;ral 
Clinton,  Governour  of  the  state  of  New-York,  to  fit 
the  troops  of  General  Putnam  to  begin  their  march. 
These  obstructions  and  delays  in  the  execution  of* 
General  WASHINGTON'S  orders,  prevented  his  being 
reinforced  in  season  to  attack  Lord  Cornwallis,  while 
in  New-Jersey,  and  probably  occasioned  the  loss  of 
Fort  Mifflin  and  Rod  Bank. 

The  different  termination  of  the  campaigns  of  1777 
at  the  North,  and  in  the  Middle  states,  furnished  the 
ignorant  and  factious  part  of  the  community  with  an 
opportunity  to  clamour  against  the  Commander  in 
Chief.  Their  murmurs  emboldened  several  members 
of  Congress,  and  individual  gentlemen  in  different 
parts  of  the  United  States,  to  adopt  measures  to  sup- 
plant General  WASHINGTON,  and  to  raiee  Genera- 
Grates  to  the  supreme  command  of  the  American  ar 
.ales. 

In  the  prosecution  of  this  scheme,  pieces  artfully 
written,  were  published  in  Newspapers  in  different 
places,  tending  to  lessen  the  military»charaeter  of  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTON,  and  to  prepare  the  pubUck  for  the 
contemplated  change  in  the  head  of  the  military  de 
partment.  Generals  Gates  and  Mifflin,  and  Brigadier 
Conway,  entered  into  the  intrigue.  Conway  was  an 
Irishman,  who  had  been  in  tlyj  service  of  France,  and 
on  the  recommendation  of  Mr.  Silas  Deane  was  com 
missioned  by  Congress.  The  influence  of  the  party 
ui  Congress  opposed  to  General  WASHINGTON,  appears 


143  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1777 

by  a  number  of  the  publick  transactions  of  thai  body 
A  board  of  war  was  instituted  and  General  Gate* 
placed  at  its  head,  Conway  was  raised  over  every  other 
Brigadier,  and  appointed  inspector  of  the  army. 

These  machinations  to  tarnish  the  character  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  were  known  to  him,  but  he  si- 
lently nol  iced  their  operation.  The  good  of  his  coun- 
try was  with  him  paramount  to  all  other  considera- 
tions, and  he  stifled  his  just  indignation  and  left  his 
reputation  to  rest  on  his  own  merits,  lest  the  open  dU 
scnsion  of  live  civil  and  military  ministers  of  the  revo 
lution  should  endanger  the  publick  interest. 

At  length,  the  presumption  of  his  enemies,  forced 
him  into  an  expression  of  his  feelings  on  the  subject. 
The  following  correspondences  give  a  general  view 
of  the  progress  of  their  measures  Mr.  Lawrens, 
Presidr-ni  of  Congress,  in  a  private  letter  communi- 
cated to  the  General  information  of  IH  anonymous 
compl.iirit  laid  before  him,  in  his  official  capacity,  con- 
taining high  charges  against  General  WASHINGTON,  to 
which  he  rep-lied  : 

"  i  cannot  sufficiently  express  the  obligation  I  feel 
towards  you,  for  your  friendship  and  politeness  upon 
an  occasion  in  which  I  am  so  deeply  interested.  I  was 
not  unapprized  that  a  malignant  faction  had  been  for 
some  time  forming,  to  my  prejudice,  which,  conscious 
as  I  am  of  having  ever  done  all  in  my  power  to  an- 
swer the  important  purposes  of  the  trust  repos  'd  in 
me,  could  not  but  give  mo  some  pain  on  a  personal  ac- 
count ;  but  my  chief  concern  arises  from  an  appre- 
hension of  the  dangerous  consequences,  which  intes- 
tine dissensions  may  produce  to  the  common  cause. 

"  As  1  have  no  ot  her  view  than  to  promote  the  pub- 
lick  good,  and  am  unambitious  of  honours  not  founded 
on  the  approbation  of  rny  country,  1  would  not  desire 
in  the  least  degree  to  suppress  a  free  spirit  of  inquiry 
into  any  part  of  my  conduct,  that  even  faction  itself 
may  deem  reprehensible.  The  anonymous  papei 


777.]         LIFE  OP  WASHINGTON.  14D 

banded  you.  exhibits  many  serious  charges,  and  it  is 
uiv  wisn  that  it  may  be  submitted  to  Congress.  This 
I  am  more  inclined  to,  as  the  suppression,  or  conceal- 
ment, maj  possibly  involve  you  in  embarrassments 
hereafter,  since  it  is  uncertain  how  many,  or  who, 
may  be  privy  to  the  contents. 

."  My  enemies  take  an  ungenerous  advantage  of  mo. 
They  know  the  delicacy  of  my  situation,  and  that  mo- 
tives of  policy  deprive  me  of  the  defence  I  might 
otherwise  make  against  their  insidious  attacks.  They 
know  I  cannot  combat  their  insinuations,  however  in- 
jurious, without  disclosing  secrets,  it  is  of  the  utmost 
moment  to  conceal.  But  why  should  I  expect  to  be 
exempt  from  censure,  the  unfailing  lot  of  an  elevated 
station  ?  Merit  and  talents,  which  I  cannot  pretend  to 
rival,  have  ever  been  subject  to  it.  My  heart  tells  me 
it  has  been  my  unremitted  aim  to  do  the  best,  which 
circumstances  would  permit ;  yet  I  may  iiave  been 
very  often  mistaken  in  n,y  judgment  of  the  means, 
and  may,  in  many  instances,  deserve  the  imputation 
of  errour." 

To  a  friend  in  New-England,  who  expressed  by  let- 
ter his  anxiety  in  consequence  of  a  report  that  he  vas 
about  to  resign  his  commission,  he  wrote  : 

"  I  can  assure  you  that  no  person  ever  heard  me 
drop  an  expression  that  had  a  tendency  to  resignation. 
The  same  principles  that  led  me  to  embark  in  the  op- 
position to  the  arbitrary  claims  of  Great  Britain,  ope- 
rate with  additional  force  at  this  day  ;  nor  is  it  rny  de- 
sire to  withdraw  my  services  while  they  are  consider- 
ed of  importance  in  the  present  contest ;  but  to  report 
a  design  of  this  kind,  is  among  the  arts,  which  those 
who  are  endeavouring  to  effect  a  change,  are  prac- 
tising to  bring  it  to  pass.  I  have  said,  and  I  still  do 
say,  that  there  is  not  an  officer  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  that  would  return  to  the  sweets  of  do- 
mestick  life  with  more  heartfe.t  joy  than  1  pnould. 
But  I  would  h?»ve  this  declaration  accompanied  by 
13* 


150  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177? 

these  mnth  lenta,  that  while  the  publick  are  satisfied 
with  my  endeavours,  I  mean  iv>t  to  sari  .k  from  tho 
cause  :  but  the  moment  her  voice,  nut  that  of  faction, 
calls  upon  me  to  resign,  1  shall  do  it  with  as  much 
pleasure  as  ever  the  weai  ed  traveller  retired  to  rest." 

His  friend  Mr.  Patrick  Henry,  then  Governour  of 
Virginia,  informed  him  of  the  intrigues  that  were  go- 
ing on  in  his  native  state.  To  which  he  replied  : 

"  The  anonymous  letter  with  which  you  were 
pleased  to  favour  me,  was  written  by  ********  go  far  as 
I  can  judge  from  the  similitude  of  hands. 

"  My  caution  to  avoid  any  thing  that  could  injure 
the  service,  prevented  me  from  communicating,  ex- 
cept to  a  very  few  of  my  friends,  the  intrigues  of  a 
faction  which  1  knew  was  formed  against  rne,  since  it 
might  serve  to  publish  our  internal  dissensions,  but 
their  own  restless  y.eal  to  advance  their  views  has  too 
clearly  betrayed  them,  and  made  concealment  on  my 
pnrt  fruitless.  1  cannot  precisely  mark  the  extent  of 
their  views,  but  it  appeared  in  general,  that  General 
Gates  was  to  be  exalted  on  the  ruin  of  my  reputation 
an-1  influence.  This  1  am  authorized  to  say  from  un- 
deniable facts  in  my  p/ossession,  from  publications  the 
evident  scope  of  whicli  could  not  be  mistaken,  and  from 
private  detractions  industriously  circulated.  *********~*> 
it.  is  commonly  supposed,  bore  the  scccml  part  in  the 
cabal  :  and  General  C.rnway,  1  know,  was  a  very  active 
and  malignant  partisan  ;  but  I  have  good  reason  to  be- 
Have  that  their  machinations  have  recoiled  most  sensi- 
bly upon  themselves.'' 

General  Gates  learning  that  a  passage  >n  a  lettM 
from  Hrigadier  Conway  to  him  had  been  communi- 
cated to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  wrote  the  follow- 
ing letter,  as  extraoj  liiiary  for  the  manner  of  its  con- 
vtyance,  as  for  the  matter  it  contains. 

"  I  shall  not  attempt  to  describe,  what,  as  a  private 
gentleman,  1  cannot  he)  <-  .  <iy  '-r.  representing  to 


777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ibl 

jny  mind,  the  disagreeable  situation,  which  confidential 
letters,  when  exposed  to  publick  inspection,  may  place 
an  unsuspecting  correspondent  in  ;  but,  as  a  publick 
olncer,  I  conjure  your  Excellency  to  give  me  all  the 
assistance  you  can,  in  tracing  out  the  author  of  the  in 
fidelity,  which  put  extracts  from  General  Conway'a 
letters  to  me  into  your  hands.  Those  letters  have 
been  stealingly  copied;  but  which  of  them,  when  or 
by  whom,  is  to  rne  as  yet  an  unfathomable  secret. 

"  There  is  not  one  olncer  in  my  suite,  or  among 
those  who  have  a  free  access  to  me,  upon  whom  I 
could  with  the  least  justification  to  myself,  fix  the  sus- 
picion ;  and  yet  my  uneasiness  may  deprive  me  of  the 
usefulness  of  the  worthiest  men.  It  is,  I  believe,  in 
your  Excellency's  power  to  do  me,  and  the  United 
States,  a  very  important  service,  by  detecting  a  wretch 
who  may  betray  me,  and  capitally  injure  the  very  ope- 
rations under  your  immediate  direction.  For  this 
reason,  sir,  1  beg  your  Excellency  would  favour  me 
with  the  proofs  you  can  procure  to  that  effect.  But 
the  crime  being  eventually  so  important,  that  the 
least  loss  of  time  may  be  attended  with  the  worst  con- 
sequences ;  and  it  being  unknown  to  me  whether  th« 
letter  came  to  you  from  a  member  of  Congress,  o: 
from  an  officer,  I  shall  have  the  honour  of  transmit- 
ting a  copy  of  this  to  the  President,  that  Congress 
may,  in  concert  with  your  Excellency,  obtain,  as  soon 
as  possible,  a  discovery  which  so  deeply  affects  the 
safety  of  the  States.  Crimes  of  that  magnitude  ought 
not  to  remair  unpunished." 

To  which  me  General  with  dignity  replied. 

"  Your  letter  of  the  18th  ultimo,  came  to  my  hands 
•.few  days  ago,  and  to  my  great  surpiise  informed  me, 
that  a  copy  of  it  had  been  sent  to  Congress,  for  what 
reason,  I  find  myself  unable  to  account ;  but  as  some 
end  doubtless  was  intended  to  be  afftwered  by  it.  I  am 
laid  under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  returning  my 
answer  through  the  same  channel,  lest  any  member  of 


152  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  11777 

that  honourable  body  should  harbour  an  unfavourable 
msi:icion  of  my  having  practised  some  indirect  means 
to  come  at  the  contents  of  the  confidential  letters  be- 
tween  you  and  General  Conway. 

"  I  am  to  inform  you  then,  that  *********,  On  his 
way  to  Congress,  in  the  month  of  October  las*.,  fell  in 
with  Lovd  Sterling  fit  Reading  ;  and,  not  in  confidence 
that  I  ever  understood,  informed  his  Aid  de  camp, 
Major  M  Williams,  that  General  Conway  had  written 
thus  to  you,  '  Heaven  has  been  determined  to  save  your 
country,  or  a  weak  General  and  bad  Counsellors  would 
have  ruined  it.'  Lord  Sterling,  from  motives  of  friend 
ship,  transmitted  the  account  with  this  remark.  '  The 
enclosed  was  cornmu.iicated  by  ********  to  Major 
M' Williams  ;  such  wicked  duplicity  of  conduct,  I  shall 
always  think  it  my  duty  to  detect." 

"  In  consequence  of  thie  information,  and  without 
having  any  thing  more  iii  view,  than  merely  to  show 
that  gentleman  that  I  was  not  unapprized  of  his  in- 
trimiing  disposition,!  wrote  him  a  letter  in  these  words. 

"  Sir,  a  letter  which  I  received  last  night,  contained 
the  following  paragraph. 

"  In  a  letter  from  General  Conway  to  General 
Gates,  he  says,  '  heaven  has  been  determined  to  save 
your  country  ;  or  a  weak  General  and  bad  Counsel- 
lors would  have  ruined  it ;  I  am,  sir,  &c.' 

"  Neither  the  letter,  nor  the  information  which  oc- 
casioned it,  was  ever  directly,  or  indirectly,  communi 
catcd  by  me  to  a.  single  officer  in  this  arrny  (out  of  my 
own  family)  excepting  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,  who 
having  been  spoken  to  on  the  subject,  by  General 
ConwaVi  applied  for,  and  saw,  under  injunctions  of  se- 
crecy, the  letter  which  contained  this  information  ;  so 
desirous  was  I  of  concealing  every  matter  that  could, 
in  its  consequences,  give  the  smallest  interruption  to 
the  tranquillity  o£  this  army,  or  afford  a  gleam  of 
hope  to  the  enemy  by  dissensions  therein. 

<:  Thus,  sir,  with  an   openness  and  candour,  whi";h  i 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  i53 

nope    will  ever   characterize  and   mark    my  conduct, 
have  1  complied  with  your  request. 

"  The  only  concern  1  feel  upon  the  occasion,  finding 
bow  matters  stand,  is,  that,  in  doing  this,  1  have  neces- 
sarily been  objiged  to  name  a  gentleman,  who,  I  am 
persuaded,  (although  I  never  exchanged  a  word  with 
him  upon  the  subject;  thought  he  was  rather  doing  an 
act  of  justice,  than  committing  an  act  of  infidelity  ;  tnd 
sure  1  am,  U.at  until  Lord  Sterling's  letter  came  to  my 
bunds,  1  never  knew  that  General  Conway,  (whr>m  I 
viewed  in  the  light  of  a  stranger  to  you)  was  a  corre- 
spondent of  yours,  much  less  did  1  suspect  that  1  was 
the  subject  of  your  confidential  letters.  Pardon  me 
then  for  adding,  that,  so  (ar  from  conceiving  that  the 
safety  of  the  States  can  be  ailected,  or  in  the  smallest 
degree  injured,  by.  a  discovery  of  this  kind,  or  that  I 
should  be  called  upon  in  such  solemn  terms  to  point 
out  the  author,  that  1  considered  the  information  aa 
coming  from  yourself,  and  given  with  a  friendly  view 
to  forewarn  and  consequently  forearm  me,  against  a  se 
cret  enemy,  or  in  other  words,  a  dangerous  incendiary, 
in  which  character,  soonej-  or  later,  this  country  will 
know  General  Conway.  But,  in  this,  as  weil  as  othor 
matters  of  late,  1  have  found  myself  mistaken." 

In  the  active  period  of  the  last  campaign,  the  Penn 
sylvanians  had  been  deficient  in  the  support  given  to 
General  WASHINGTON,  yet  sore  at  the  loss  of  their 
Capital,  and  at  the  depredation  of  the  enemy  in  their 
towns,  they  murmured  that  he  had  not  defended  them 
against  Sir  William  Howe,  although  his  force  was 
greatly  inferiour  to  that  of  the  enemy.  General  Mif- 
flin  was  then  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  that 
State.  This  Legislature  beincr  informed  that  the 
American  army  was  moving  into  winter  quarters,  pre- 
sented a  remonstrance  to  Congress  against  the  mea 
sure,  in  which  unequivocal  complaints  were  contained 
against  the  Commander  in  Chief.  This  remonstrance 
•vas  presented  at  the  very  tiirie  the  discover/  wa* 


154  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  il777 

made,  that  the  last  rations  in  the  Commissary's  stores 
were  issued  to  the  soldiery.  General  WASHINGTON 
expressed  the  feelings  of  his  patriotick  and  noble  mind 
on  this  complaint,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  the  President 
of  Congress,  and  written  in  language  which  he  used  on 
no  other  occasion. 

"  Full  as  1  was  in  my  representations  of  the  matters 
in  the  Commissary's  department  yesterday,  fresh  and 
more  powerful  reasons  oblige  me  to  add,  that  I  am 
now  convinced  beyond  a  doubt,  that  unless  some  great 
and  capital  change  suddenly  takes  place  in  that  line, 
this  army  must  inevitably  be  reduced  to  one  or  other 
of  these  three  things,  to  starve,  dissolve,  or  disperse 
in  order  to  obtain  subsistence.  Rest  assured,  sir,  that 
this  is  not  an  exaggerated  picture,  and  that  I  have 
abundant  reason  to  suppose  what  I  say. 

"  Saturday  afternoon,  receiving  information  that  Hie 
enemy,  in  force,  had  left  the  city  and'were  advancing 
towards  Derby  with  apparent  design  to  forage,  and 
draw  subsistence  from  that  part  of  the  country,  I  or- 
dered the  troops  to  be  in  readiness  that  I  might  give 
every  opposition  in  my  power ;  when,  to  my  great 
mortification,  I  was  not  only  informed,  but  convinced, . 
that  the  men  were  unable  to  stir  on  account  of  a  want 
of  provisions  ;  and  that  a  dangerous  mutiny,  begun  the 
night  before,  and  which  with  difficulty  was  suppressed 
by  the  spirited  exertions  of  pome  officers,  was  still 
much  to  be  apprehended  from  the  want  of  this  article 

"This  brought  foilfh  the  only  commissary  in  the 
purchasing  line  in  this  camp,  and  with  him,  this  me- 
lancholy and  alarming  truth,  that  he  had  not  a  single 
hoof  of  any  kind  to  slaughter,  and  not  more  than 
twenty-five  barrels  of  flour  !  From  hence,  form  an 
opinion  of  our  situation,  when  I  add,  that  he  could  not 
tell  when  to  expect  p.ny. 

"  All  i  could  do  under  these  circumstances,  was  to 
eend  out  a  few  light  parties  to  watch  and  harass  the 
•nemy,  whilst  other  parties  were  instar.tly  detached 


1777.}          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  13& 

different  ways  to  collect,  if  possible,  as  much  provision 
as  would  satisfy  the  present  pressing  wants  of  the  sol- 
diery ;  but  will  tins  ans\v<-r  ?  No,  sir,  three  or  tout 
days  of  bad  weather  would  prove  our  destruction 
What  '.hen  is  to  become  of  the  army  this  winter  ?  And 
if  we  are  now  as  often  without  provisions  as  with 
them,  what  is  to  become  of  us  in  the  spring,  when  our 
force  will  be  collected  with  the  aid.  peihnps  of  militia, 
to  take  advantage  of  an  early  campaign  before  the 
enemy  can  be  reinforced  : — These  are  considerations 
of  great  magnitude,  meriting  the  closest  attention, 
and  will,  when  my  own  reputation  is  go  intimately 
connected  with,  and  to  be  affected  by  the  event,  justify 
my  saying,  that  the  present  commissaries  are  by  no 
moans  equal  to  the  execution  of  their  office,  or  that 
the  disaffection  of  the  people  is  past  all  belief.  The 
misfortune,  however,  does  in  my  opinion,  proceed  from 
both  causes,  and  though  I  have  been  tender  heretofore 
of  giving  any  opinion,  or  of  lodging  complaints,  as  the 
change  in  that  department  took  place  contrary  to  my 
judgment,  and  the  consequences  thereof  were  predict- 
ed ;  yet  finding  that  the  inactivity  of  the  army,  whe- 
ther for  want  of  provisions,  clothes,  or  other  essentials, 
is  charged  to  my  account,  not  only  by  the  common 
vulgar,  but  by  those  in  power,  it  is  time  to  speak  plain, 
•n  exculpation  of  myself.  With  truth  then  I  can  de- 
clare, that  no  man,  in  my  opinion,  ever  had  his  mea- 
sures more  impeded  than  1  have,  by  every  department 
of  the  army.  Since  the  month  of  July,  wo  have  had 
tio  assistance  from  the  Quarter  Master  General ;  and 
to  wantvof  assistance  from  this  department,  the  Com- 
missary General  charges  great  part  of  his  deficiency. 
To  this  I  arn  to  add,  that  notwithstanding  it  is  a 
standing  order  (and  often  repeated)  that  the  troops 
shall  -always  have  two  days'  provision  by  them, 
that  thev  ini^lit  be  ready  at  any  sudden  call ;  yet 
warceiy  any  opportunity  has  ever  offered  of  taking 
advantage  '.  f  the  enemy,  that  has  not  b^en  either  to- 


156  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1777 

tally  obstructed,  or  greatly  impeded  on  this  account 
ami  this,  the  great  and  crying  evil,  is  lot  all ;  soap, 
vinegar,  and  other  articles  allowed  by  Congress,  we 
see  none  ot,  nor  have  we  seen  them,  1  believe,  since 
the  little  of  Crandywine.  The  first,  indeed,  we  have 
now  little  occasion  for ;  few  men  having  more  than 
one  shirt,  many  only  tha  moiety  of  one,  and  some 
none  at  all.  in  addition  to  which,  as  a  proof  of  the 
little  benefit  from  a  Clothier  General,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  as  a  further  proof  of  the  inability  of  an  army 
under  the  circumstances  of  this,  to  perform  the  com- 
mon duties  of  soldiers  (besides  a  number  of  men  con- 
fined to  hospitals  for  want  of  shoes,  and  others  in 
fanners'  houses  on  the  same  account)  we  have,  by  a 
field  return  this  day  made,  no  less  than  two  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  ninety-eight  men,  now  in  camp,  un- 
fit for  duty,  because  they  are  barefoot,  and  otherwise 
naked.  By  the  same  return,  it  appears,  that,  our  whole 
strength  in  continental  troops  (including  the  eastern 
brigades  which  have  joined  us  since  the  surrender  of 
General  Burgoyne)  exclusive  of  the  Maryland  troops 
sent  to  Wilmington,  amounts  to  no  more  than  eight 
thousand  two  hundred  in  carnp,  fit  for  duly  ;  notwith- 
standing which,  and  that  since  the  fourth  instant,  our 
number  fit  for  duty,  from  the  hardships  and  exposures 
they  have  undergone,  particularly  from  the  Want  of 
blankets,  have  decreased  near  two  thousand  men  we 
find,  gentlemen,  \vithout  knowing  whether  the  •"my 
was  really  going  into  winter  quarters  or  not,  (for  I  am 
sure  no  resolution  of  mine  would  warrant  the  rr  mon- 
strance) reprobating  the  measure  as  much  as  if  thej 
thought  the  soldiers  were  made  of  stocks,  or  stones, 
and  equally  insensible  of  frost  and  snow  ;  and  more- 
over, as  if  they  conceived  it  easily  practicable  for  an 
inferiour  arri'y,  under  the  disadvantages  I  have  de- 
scribed ours  to  be,  which  is  by  no  means  exaggerated, 
to  confine  a  superiour  one,  in  all  respects  well  ap- 
pointed, and  provided  for  a  winter's  campaign,  withia 


1777.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  157 

•he  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  to  cover  from  depred*. 
lion  and  waste,  the  states  of  Pennsylvania,  Jersey,  &c. 
But  .vhat  makes  this  matter  still  more  extraordinary 
in  my  eyes  is,  that  these  very  gentlemen,  who  wera 
well  apprized  of  the  nakedness  of  the  troops,  from 
ocular  demonstration,  who  thought  their  own  soldien 
worse  cldd  than  ours,  and  advised  me.  near  a  month 
ago,  to  postpone  the  execution  of  a  plan  I  was  about 
to  adopt,  in  consequence  of  a  resolve  of  Congress,  for 
seizing  clothes,  under  strons  assurances,  that  an  emple 
supply  would  be  collected  in  ten  days,  agreeably  to  a 
decree  of  the  state,  not  one  article  of  which,  bye  the 
bye,  is  yet  come  to  hand,  shouid  think  a  winter's  cam- 
paign, and  the  covering  these  states  from  the  invasion 
of  an  enemy,  so  easy  and  practicable  a  business.  I 
can  assure  those  gentlemen,  that  it  is  a  much  easier 
and  less  distressing  thing  to  draw  remonstrances  in  a 
comfortable  room,  by  a  good  fire  side,  than  to  occupy 
a  cold  bleak  hill,  and  sleep  under  frost  and  snow 
without  clothes  or  blankets :  however,  although  they 
seem  to  have  little  feeling  for  the  naked  and  distressed 
soldiers,  I  feel  superabundantly  for  them,  and  f-om  my 
soul,  pity  those  miseries  which  it  is  not  in  my  pow  ;r 
either  to  rellave  or  to  prevent." 

All  these  efforts  to  displace  the  Commander  in  Chief 
were  unavailing,  and  served  oily  to  expose  their  au- 
thors to  the  resentment  of  the  community.  He  waa 
too  well  established  in  the  confidence  of  the  army,  and 
of  the  great  body  of  the  nation,  to  be  moved  from  his 
elevated,  but  arduous  trust.  Even  the  victorious 
troops,  which  served  under  Ger.iral  Gates,  indignantly 
noticed  the  attempt  to  raise  him  to  the  place  of  their 
beloved  General.  The  resentment  of  the  main  arrny 
against  those,  who  were  known  to  be  the  active  ene- 
mies of  General  WASHINGTON,  was  so  great,  that  none 
of  them  dared  appear  in  camp  :  G'eneral  Conway 
found  it  necessary  to  resign  his  commission.  H« 
afterwards  fought  a  duel  with  General  Cadwallader 

VOL.  I.  14 


158  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1773, 

and   thinking    himself  to  be  mortally  wounded  wrote 
General  WASHINGTON  the  following  letter. 

"  I  find  myself  just  able  to  hold  the  pen  daring  a  few 
minutes,  and  take  this  opportunity  to  express  rny  sin 
cere  griaf  for  Iiaving  done,  written,  or  said,  any  thing 
disagreeable  to  your  Excellency.  My  career  will  soon 
be  over  ;  therefore,  justice  and  truth  prompt  me  to  de- 
clare my  last  sentiments.  You  are,  in  iny  eyes,  the 
great  and  good  man.  May  you  long  enjoy  the  love, 
veneration,  and  esteem  of  these  states,  \\Lose  lioertie* 
you  have  asserted  by  your  virtues." 

1773.  The  sufferings  of  the  army  during  this  winter 
for  provision  and  clothing  were  extren.o. —  The  depart- 
ments of  the  Commissary  General  ana  Quarter  Master 
General  were  not  yet  well  arranged.  The  deprecia- 
tion of  the  paper  currency  embarrassed  all  purchases, 
and  this  embarrassment  was  increased  by  the  injudi- 
cious attempt  to  regulate  by  law  the  prices  of  articles 
of  consumption  and  traffick.  T''e  enemy  possessed  a 
number  of  the  trading  towns  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  commerce  of  th.  others  was  interrupted  by  their 
ships,  of  war.  These  causes  combined,  produced  a 
famine  in  camp,  and  rendered  a  great  part  of  the 
army  incapable  of  service  for  the  want  of  clothing.  Al- 
though ths  Commander  in  Chief  applied  all  the  means 
in  his  po'vcr  to  remedy  these  evils,  yet  from  them,  ho 
apprehended  the  dissolution  of  the  army  In  Decem- 
ber he  issued  a  proclamation,  calling  upon  all  the  far- 
riers within  seventy  miles  of  Head  Quarters,  to  thresh 
out  one  half  of  their  grain  by  the  lot  of  February  ;  and 
the  other  half  by  the  1st  of  March,  on  penalty  of  hav 
ing  it  all  seized  as  straw.  Detachments  wore  also 
sent  out  to  collect  all  animals  fit  for  slaughter,  leaving 
only  a  competence  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants.  But 
notwithstanding  all  this  vigilance  and  exertion,  the 
supplies  were  inadequate.  Early  in  February,  the 
country  in  the  neighbourhood  of  camp  became  exhaust- 
ed, and  the  Commissaries  communicated  to  the  Gene- 


1778.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  159 

ral,  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  supply  the 
army  beyond  the  first  of  March.  General  WASHING- 
TON looked  towards  New-England  as  the  only  effectual 
source  of  necessary  supplies.  He  act  Drdingly  address- 
ed letters  to  the  Exec-itives  of  these  states,  painting 
in  glowing  colour?,  the  condition  of  the  army,  arid 
urging  these  constituted  authorities,  by  every  motive 
of  patriotism  and  honour,  to  forward  provisions  to  hia 
camp.  These  applications  were  ultimately  successful ; 
but  before  relief  in  this  wry  could  bf,  afforded,  the 
scarcity  was  so  great,  as  to  threaten  the  total  destruc 
tion  of  the  aimy.  The  soldiers  were  at  times  without 
meat,  for  two,  three,  and  in  one  instance,  for  five  days 

Tlw-  distress  of  the  army  for  the  want  of  clothing 
was  almost  as  irreat  as  that  for  want  of  provisions. 
Of  more  than  seventeen  thousand  men  in  camp,  the 
effectives  amounted  to  only  five  thousand  and  twelve 
in  February,  three  thousand  nine  hundred  and  eighty- 
nine  were  unfit  for  duty  by  nakedness.  The  insufh" 
ciency  of  the  clothes  of  those,  who  were  called  effec- 
tives, exposed  '.hem  to  colds  and  other  consequent  in- 
dispositions, and  the  hospitals  were  filled  with .  the 
sick. 

General  WASHINGTON  happily  possessed  those  com- 
manding and  conciliatory  talents,  which  strongly  at- 
tached the  soldiery  to  his  person,  and  by  the  influence 
of  hia  character  he  stifled  every  appearance  of  mu- 
tiny. In  general  orders  he  soothed  the  minds  of  hia 
tTDops,  and  in  their  imaginations  lessened  those  evils, 
which  in  his  addresses  to  Congress  and  to  the  State 
Governments,  he  was  labouring  to  remove.  Very  few 
of  the  native  Americans  deserted  from  the  arm}'  daring 
this  winter  ;  but  many  of  the  foreigners  left  their 
standard?,  and  some  of  them  fled  with  their  ^rma  to 
the  British  camp. 

Had  Sir  William  Howe  marched  out  of  his  winter 
quarters  and  assaulted  the  American  camp,  the  want 
of  provision  and  clothing  would  have  compelled  the 


160  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1778. 

irmj,  without  serious  contention,  to  disperse.  But 
that  cautious  commander  was  restrained  from  tha 
enterprise,  from  a  regard  to  the  health  and  safety  of 
his  own  troops  Perhaps  he  did  not  fully  know  the 
condition  of  the  American  soldiery 

While  General  WASHINGTON  was  actively  employ- 
ed in  supplying  his  troops,  his  mind  was  deeply  en- 
giged  on  a  plan  to  recruit  the  army  for  the  approach' 
Lig  campaign. 

From  jealousy  of  a  standing  army,  or  in  the  pros- 
pect of  redress  of  grievances  by  the  British  govern- 
ment, Congress  depending  on  annual  enlistments,  and 
on  tha  aid  of  the  militia,  had  neglected  to  enlist  men 
for  the  war,  until  the  depreciation  of  the  paper  cur- 
rency, the  hardships  and  privations  of  the  soldiers,  and 
the  hi  rh  bounty  p  'd  for  short  periodsof  service,  render- 
ed the  measure  ii  practicable.  General  WASH-.NGTUN 
importuned  Conj  ess  and.  the  governments  of  the 
respective  States  not  to  rely  on  foreign  aid,  but  de- 
pending on  the  strength  and  resources  of  the  country, 
to  make  the  necessnry  exertions  seasonably  to  meet 
the  .operations  of  the  British  General. 

lie  ;rave  an  exact  account  to  each  State  of  its  troops 
on  the  continental  establishment,  and  urged  them 
respectively  to  supply  their  denciency. 

The  serious  difficulties  respecting  Jie  army  induced 
Congress  to  depute  a  Committee  of  their  own  body  to 
the  camp,  to  consult  with  the  General,  and  report  to 
them  such  plans  as  the  publick  interest  required.  Thii 
committee  repaired  to  Head  Quarters  in  January.  The 
General,  having  taken  the  advice  of  his  officers,  pre- 
sented to  them  a  memorial  staling  the  difficulties  that 
existed  in  the  .army,  and  pointing  out  the  remedies 
In  these  remedies  was  included  tnat  honourable  pro- 
vision for  officers,  which  wou'.d  make  their  commis- 
sions valuable,  and  secure  the  prompt  execution  of 
duty,  through  fear  of  censure,  and  from  an  apprehen 
•ion  of  the  loss  of  employment. 


I778.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  161 

The  representations  of  General  WAsmNGTON  pro 
duced,  in  a  good  degree,  their  ert'ect.  The  division  of 
power  in  t.lie  subordinate  departments  of  the  army 
which  had  destroyed  all  responsibility,  and  created 
endless  confusion,  was  removed.  General  Green  was 
appointed  Quarter  Master  General,  and  Colonel 
Wadsworth  Commissary  General.  These  officers  had 
a  controlling  power  over  their  deputies,  and  under 
their  management  these  departments  were  greatly  im- 
proved. The  movements  of  the  army  were  from  this 
period  made  with  facility,  and  the  soldiers  never  after 
wards  suffered  privations  like  those  of  this  winter. 

The  alliance  of  France  with  America,  and  lbn  sub 
sequent  co-operation  of  that  power  with  the  United 
States,  rendered  Philadelphia  a  dangerous  post  for  the 
British.  Before  the  campaign  opened,  Sir  William 
Howe  resigned  the  command  of  the  British 
MAY  20.  army,  and  Sir  Henry  Clinton  with  his  com- 
mission as  Commander  in  Chief,  received  or- 
ders to  evacuate  that  city.  General  WASHINGTON  early 
penetrated  this  intention,  and  made  his  arrangements 
to  meet  it.  He  was  uncertain  whether  the  evacuation 
would  be  made  by  water,  or  whether  Sir  Henry  would 
march  his  army  through  Jersey  to  New-York.  As 
circumstances  strengthened  the  probability  that  the 
British  commander  would  attempt  a  passage  through 
New-Jersey,  General  WASHINGTON  detached  General 
Maxwell  with  the  Jersey  brigade  over  the  Delaware 
to  take  post  on  Mount  Holly,  and  with  the  assistance 
of  the  Jersey  militia,  to  obstruct  the  progress  of  ,he 
enemy.  He  was  directed  to  fell  trees,  to  break  up 
bridges,  and  to  Jiang  upon  the  flanks  of  the  Britisj 
army. 

When   it  was  fully  ascertained  that  Sir 

JUNE  17.    Henry  Clinton  was  crossing  the  Delaware, 

General  WASHINGTON  required  the  opinion 

of  his  officers  respecting  measures  proper  to  Ue  pur 

sued.      General  Lee,  who,  having  been  exchange^ 

14* 


162  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1776 

had  now  joined  the  arinv,  was  decidedly  against  a  gf 
noral  action,  and  he  discountenanced  even  a  partial  at- 
tack, on  the  supposition  that  it  would  probably  bring 
on  a  general  engagement.  In  this  opinion,  the  officers 
aliaost  unanimously  concurred.  Of  seventeen  Gene- 
rals, who  composed  the  military  Council,  on  this  occa- 
sion, General  Wayne  arid  General  Oadwuilador  only 
*vere  decidedly  in  favour  of  an  engagement.  General 
Green  ga\e  it  as  his  opinion  that  the  country  should 
be  defended,  and  that  if  this  led  to  an  engagement,  he 
would  not  shun  it. 

Although  many  of  their  stores  were  taken  dowathe 
river  in  the  shipping,  yet  the  British  army  was  ei.rum 
bered  with  an  immense  quantity  of  baggage  ;  and  their 
line  of  march  extended  twelve  miles.  The  weather 
being  intensely  hot,  their  movements  were  very  slow  ; 
in  seven  days,  they,  inarched  only  forty  miles.  On 
the  24th,  General  Clinton  reached  Allenton,  and  it 
was  yet  uncertain  whether  he  would  take  the  road  to 
Amboy,  or  to  Sandy  Hook.  General  WASHINGTON 
therefore  kept  up/in  the  High  Lands  or.  New- Jersey, 
above  the  enemy.  In  this  situation,  he  had  it  in  his 
power  to  fight  or  not,  as  circumstances  should  dictate. 
By  the  slow  movoment  of  the  enemyrhe  was  inclined 
to  think  that  Sir  Henry  wished  for  an  engagement 
Colonel  Morgan,  with  his  regiment  consisting  of  six 
Hundred  men,  was  detached  to  gain  the  right  Hank  of 
the  enemy,  and  ordered  to  annoy  him  in  every  possi- 
ble way.  General  Cadwallader,  with  Jackson's  regi- 
ment, and  a  small  corps  of  militia,  was  ordered  to 
harass  his  rear. 

The  British  army  at  this  time  was  calculated  at  sen 
thousand  men,  and  the  American  army  consisted  of 
between  ten  and  eleven  thousand.  Although  the  late 
Council  decided  by  a  large  majority  against  a  general 
engagement,  yet  General  WASHINGTON  inclined  to 
me  n.oabure  He  again  summoned  his  officers,  and 
•cok  their  opinion,  "  whether  it  was  advJHeable  to  sebk 


1778.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  163 

a  general  action  ?  If  adviseable,  is  it  best  to  attack 
with  the  whole  army,  to  bring  on  a  general  engage 
ment  by  a  partial  attack,  or  to  take  a  position  that 
shall  oblige  the  enemy  to  make  an  assault  upon  us?" 
The  Counci]  again  determined  againrt  a  general  en 
gagemeni ;  but  advised  to  strengthen  the  detachments 
on  the  wings  of  the  enemy.  General  Scott  was,  in 
consequence,  detached  with  fifteen  hundred  men  £o 
this  service. 

Having  a  force  rather  superiour  to  the  British,  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTON  conceived  that  the  favourable  op- 
portunity to  attack  the  enemy,  ought  not  to  be  lost, 
and  on  his  own  responsibility,  resolved  to  hazard  a 
general  engagement. 

Having  learned  that  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
JUNE  25.  was  moving  towards  Momnouth  Court  House, 
he  detached  Brigadier  Wayne  with  a  thou- 
sand men  to  reinforce  the  troops  in  advance.  He  offer- 
ed the  command  of  the  whole  force  in  front  to  Gene- 
ral Lee  ;  but  he,  being  opposed  even  to  partial  actions 
with  the  enemy,  declined  the  service.  The  Marquis 
La  Fayette  joyfully  accepted  the  command,  which  his 
senior  Major  General  had  declined.  The  orders  jrivnn 
to  the  Marquis  were  similar  to  those  which  had  before 
been  given  to  the  officers  on  the  lines,  to  gain  the  real 
and  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  arid  give  him  all  possi- 
ble annoyance.  The  Commander  in  Chief  put  the 
main  army  in  motion,  that  lie  might  be  in  a  Equation 
1o  support  his  parties  in  advance.  By  these  mo'C- 
ments  General  Le3  perceived  that  more  importance 
thaii  he  had  imagined  was  given  to  the  division  in 
front,  and  he  now  importunately  requested  the  com 
mand,  which  before  he  had  declined.  To  gratify  him 
without  mortifying  he  Marquis,  he  was  detached  with 
two  additional  brigades  to  act  in  tront,  and  the  O'-m- 
mand  of  the  whole,  consisting  of  five  thousand  men, 
of  course  devolved  on  nim.  He  was  ordered  to  keep 


If,4  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [177* 

tils  detachments  constantly  on  their  tuns  and  ever  in 
a  situation  to  attack. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  perceiving  the  approach  of  a 
powerful  force,  changed  the  position  of  his  army,  and 
placed  his  best  troops  in  therea>.  On  ih«<J?th,  he 
encamped  in  a  secure  manner  on  th^  heiiruts  ab»>ut 
Mrmmouth  Court  House.  He  could  not  l>e  attained 
in  this  position  with  the  probability  of  success,  and 
he  was  within  .twelve  miles  of  strong  ground,  where 
he  could  not  be  assailed.  General  WASHINGTON  there- 
fore resolved  to  attack  him  as  soon  as  he  should  move 
from  his  present  encampment. 

About  five  in  thu  morning,  the  Command 
JUNE  28.  er  in  Chief  was  informed  that  the  front  ol 
the  Biitish  army  was  in  motion  •  ho  imme- 
diately despatched  an  Aid  de  Camp  to  G -neral  Lee 
with  orders  to  move  on  anil  attack  the  rear  of  the  ene- 
my, "  unless  there  should  be  powerful  reasons  to  the 
contrary."  assuring  him  that  the  main  body  should 
seasonably  move  to  support  him~ 

From  the  movements  of  the  American  army,  Sir 
Hinry  expected  an  attack.  Early  on  the  morning  <>f 
the  '/2Hth,  General  Knyphausen  marched  with  -ill  the 
baggage  of  the  British  army.  The  grenadiers,  light 
infantry,  and  chasseurs,  unencumbered,  remained  on 
the  ground  under  the  command  of  Lord  Ccrnwallis, 
and  with  this  division  was  Sir  Henry. 

Hav'ng  allowed  time  for  General  Knyphausen  to 
move  out  of  his  way,  Lord  Cornwallis  about  eight 
o'clock  took  up  his  li:ic  of  march,  ai.d  descended  from 
the  heights  of  Freehold  into  a  plain  of  about  three  miles 
extent.  General  Lee  made  his  disposition  to  execute 
the  orders  of  the  Commander  in  Chief.  Passing  the 
heights  of  Freehold,  he  enCered  the  plain,  and  ordered 
General  Wayne  to  attack  the  rear  of  the  covering 
party  of  the  enemy  in  such  a  manner  as  to  halt  them  ; 
r.-hne  he  himself  by  a.  shortei  road  should  gain  then 


1778.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  J6& 

front,  with  the  design  to  c*it  them  off  from  the  main 
body  of  their  arTny. 

In  the  mean  time  General  Clintcn  perceiving  that 
strong  columns  of  Americans  were  hanging  upon  both 
his  flanks,  and  supposing  that  their  object  was  to  at- 
tack his  baggage  now  passing  through  defiles,  resolved 
to  halt  Lord  Cornwallis's  division  and  attack  the  Ame- 
ricans in  his  rear,  with  the  expectation,  that  General 
WASHINGTON  by  this  manoeuvre  would  be  induced  to 
recall  his  detachments  in  advance.  This  movement 
was  made  at  the  moment  Lee  was  reconnoitring  their 
covering  party.  He  found  this  corps  much  stronger 
than  he  had  supposed  it  to  be,  and  the  ground  he 
thought  unfavourable  for  an  a' tack.  In  his  rear  was 
a  morass  which  could  be  passed  only  by  a  neck  of 
hard  land,  which  rendered  it  difficult  for  reinforce 
ments  to  reach  him,  and  would  impede  his  retreat 
should  lie  be  repulsed.  He  was  finally  induced  by  a 
movement  of  General  Scott,  to  cross  the  ravine  and 
regain  the  heights  of  Freehold. 

During  these  manoeuvres,  some  skirmishing  took 
place.  As  soon  as  General  WASHINGTON  heard  the 
firing,  he  directed  the  troops  under  his  immediate 
command,  to  throw  off  their  pac'is  and  march  rapidly 
to  the  support  of  the  division  in  front.  General  Lee 
gave  no  information  of  his  retrograde  manoeuvre  to 
the  Commander  in  Chief.  As  General  WASHINGTON 
was  approaching  the  scene  of  action  in  advance  of  his 
troops,  he  met,  to  his  .surprise  arid  mortification,  tlu 
corps  of  General  Lee  retreating  before  the  enemy, 
without  having  made-  anv  serious  efforts  to  maintain 
their  ground.  He  found  General  Lee  in  the  rear  of 
his  division,  whom  he  addressed  with  warmth,  and  in 
language  disapproving  his  retreat..  He  immediately 
ordered  two  regiments  to  form  on  ground  favourable 
to  check  the  advancing  enemy.  He  asked  General 
Lee,  will  you  command  on  this  ground  ?  Consenting, 
&e  was  ordered  to  arrange  the  remainder  cf  his  division 


IW>  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

and  to  take  measures  to  slop  the  advance  of  the  Bri- 
tish. "  Your  orders,"  Lee  replied,  "-snail  he  obeyed, 
and  I  will  not  be  the  first  to  leave  the  field."  The 
Commander  in  Chief  returned  to  the  main  body  and 
formed  it  for  action.  The  division  of  Lee  now  bravely 
sustained  a  severe  conflict  with  the  van  of  the  British, 
and  when  forced  from  the  ground,  Lee  brought  hit 
troops  oft'  in  order,  and  formed  them  in  rear  of  Eng- 
lish Town. 

The  check  the  enemy  received,  enabled  General 
WASHINGTON  to  form  the  left  wing  and  second  line  of 
the  army  on  an  eminence.  Lord  Sterling,  who  com- 
manded this  wing,  planted  a  battery  of  cannon  and 
played  with  erFect  upo~  the  British  column,  which  had 
passed  the  morass  and  was  pressing  on  to  charge  the 
Arner'cans.  At  the  same  timo  a  body  of  infantry  waa 
brought  into  action.  The  advance  of  the  enemy  wa<3 
by  these  measures  stopped. 

General  Green,  who  on  this  day  commanded  the 
right  wing  of  the  American  army,  had  left  the  direct 
road  near  English  Town  and  moved  upon  the  right, 
as  a  security  to  this  flank  of  the  army,  and  had  rather 
passed  the  ground  on  which  the  action  began.  Learn 
ng  the  situation  of  General  WASHINGTON,  he  brought 
up  his  division,  and  took  an  advantageous  position  on 
the  right. 

The  enemy  now  attempted  to  turn  the  left  flank  of 
the  Americans,  but.  were  repulsed  by  parlies  of  infan 
try.  They  then  assailed  the  right  wing,  a:id  here  *oo 
they  failed.  General  Green  had  posted  a  body  :f 
troops  with  artillery  on  commanding  ground  in  his 
front,  which  severely  galled  the  enemy.  At  this  pe- 
riod General  Wayne  advanced  with  a  strong  corps  of 
infantry,  and  in  a  close  and  well  directed  fire  etlacked 
them  in  front.  They  gave  way  and  fell  behind  the 
ravine  to  the  ground,  on  which  the  Commander  in 
Chief  met  General  Lee  in  the  morning.  On  this 
ground  the  British  formed  in  a  strong  position.  Both 


1773.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  167 

flanks  were  covered  by  woods  and  morasses,  and  theij 
ll'ont  could  be  attacked  c.ily  through  a  narrow  pass. 

General  WASHINGTON,  even  under  these  circuin- 
Btances,  determined  to  renew  the  engagement.  In 
pursuance  of  this  resolution,  he  ordered  Brigadier 
Poor  to  gain  the  right  flank  of  the  British,  and  Briga- 
dier Woodford  their  left.  The  artillery  was  directed 
to  play  upon  them  in  front.  Before  these  orders  could 
be  effectually  carried  into  execution,  the  day  was  fully 
spent.  The  General  therefore  determined  to  defer 
the  attack  until  the  next  morning.  He  ordered  the 
troops  to  retain  their  respective  positions,  and  to  lay 
on  their  arms.  Tne  General  in  the  course  of  the  day 
had  shunned  no  danger,  and  he  slept  in  his  cloak 
amidst  his  soldiers  on  the  field  of  battle. 

At  midnight,  the  British  moved  off  their  ground 
with  such  silence,  that  General  Poor  although  very 
near  did  not  perceive  it.  General  WASHINGTON  knew 
that  the  British  army  would  reach  liigh  and  unassaila- 
ble ground  before  he  could  come  up  with  them,  and 
therefore  discontinued  the  pursuit.  He  despatched 
small  parties  of  light  troops  to  protect  the  country 
from  depredation  and  to  encourage  desertion.  The 
main  body  of  his  army  he  marched  to  cover  the  im- 
portant passes  in  the  high  lands  on  the  Hudson. 

General  WASHINGTON  was  satisfied  with  the  be- 
haviour of  his  army  on  this  day.  In  his  official  com- 
munication to  Congress  he  mentioned  that  after  the 
troops  had  recovered  from  the  surmise  of  the  unex 
peeled  retreat  of  the  morning,  their  conduct  cculd  not 
have  been  surpassed. '  General  Wayne  was  noticed 
with  great  commendation,  and  the  artillery  corps  \va.» 
•aid  to  have  highly  distinguished  itself. 

In  the  battle  of  Monmoulh,  eight  officers  and 
rixty-one  privates  of  the  Americans  were  killed  ;  and 
about"  one  hundred  and  sixty  wounded.  Among  tho 
killed  were  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bonner  of  Pennsvlva- 
uia  and  Major  Dickinson  of  Virginia,  officers  of  merit, 


168  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [177-S 

whose  fall  was  muck  lamented.  The  A  i:  cr'cans  bu- 
ried about  three  hundred  of  the  Briush,  who  had  been 
found  on  the  Sold  ,  although  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  in  his 
official  letter,  stated  his  loss  in  killed  and  missing  at 
four  officers  and  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  privates, 
and  his  wounded  at  sixteen  officers  and  one  hundred 
and  fifi  y-four  privates.  Among  the  slain  was  the 
Honourable  Colonel  Monckton,  an  officer  of  celetrity. 
The  day  had  been  excessively  hot,  and  numbers,  both 
British  and  Americans,  were  found  among  the  dead 
without  wounds,  who  had  fallen  victims  to  the  heat. 

The  Americans  made  absut  a  hundred  prisoners, 
and  nearlv  a  tlmusmd  privates,  mcstjy  Germans,  de- 
serted the  British  standard,  on  the  march  through 


Congress  highly  approved  of  the  conduct  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  in  bringing  on  the  action  of  the 
28th,  and  was  gratified  with  its  issue.  In  a  resolution 
which  passed  that  body  unanimously,  their  thanks  were 
given  to.  General  WASHINGTON  "  for  the  activity  with 
which  he  moved  from  the  ca.np  at  Valley  Forge,  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy  ;  for  his  distinguished  exertions 
in  forming  the  line  of  battle  ;  and  f'>r  his  great;  good 
conduct  in  the  action."  He  was  requested  "  to  sig- 
nify the  thanks  cf  Congress  to  the  officers  and  men 
under  his  command,  who  distinguished  themselves  by 
their  conduct  and  valour  in  the  battle." 

Although  the  Commander  in  Chief  disapproved  of 
the  retreat,  yet  could  the  proud  spirit  of  General  Leo 
have  patiently  borne  what  he  considered  as  a  reprimand 
CE  the  field  of  battle,  it  is  probable  that  an  explanation 
mutually  satisfactory  might  have  taken  place.  Ge- 
neial  WASHINGTON  continued  him  in  command  on 
the  day  of  action,  after  his  retreat,  and  discovered  no 
disposition  to  take  publick  notice  of  it.  But  the  irri- 
table and  lofty  spirit  of  Lee  urged  him  to  write  tho 
next  day  two  offensive  letters  to  General  WASHINGTON, 
m  which,  a'ssuininir  the  language  of  a  superiour,  lie 


1778.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  109 

demanded  satisfaction  for  the  insult  offered  him  on  the 
field  of  battle.  On  deliberation,  t.ie  Commander  in 
Chief  informed  him  "  that  lie  should  have  an  opportu- 
nity to  justify  himself  to  the  army,  to  America,  and  the 
world,  or  of  convincing  them  that  he  had  been  guilty 
of  breach  of  orders  and  misconduct  before  the  enemy." 
General  Lee.  expressing  his  desire  for  a  Court  Martial 
in  preference  to  a  Court  of  Inquiry,  was  arrested  upon 
the  following  charges, 

1.  For  disobedience  of  orders  in  not  attacking  the  ene- 
my on  the  2dth  of  June  agreeably  to  repeated  in- 

structiv/ns. 
2    For   misbehaviour  before  the  enemy  on   the   same 

day,  by    making    an    unnecessary,   disorderly,  and 

shameful  retreat. 
3.  For  disrespect  to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  in  two 

letters. 

Tiie  high  colouring  of  the  second  charge  was  in  con 
sequence  of  complaints  entered  by  Generals  Wayne 
and  Scott,  against  General  Lee,  which  on  investiga- 
tion appeared  to  have  been  founded  in  their  misappre- 
hending his  movements.  Lord  Sterling  presided  at 
the  court,  which  found  him  guilty  of  ail  the  charges, 
but  softened  the  language  of  the  second,  and  found 
him  guilty  of  misbehavkur,  by  making  an  unnecessa- 
ry, and  in  some  tew  instances,  a  disorderly  retreat. 
The  court  sentenced  him  to  be  suspended  from  his 
command  for  one  year. 

Congress,  with  some  hesitation,  almost  unanimously 
approved  the  sentence 

The  suspension  of  Gen"ral  Lee  was  higWy  satisfac- 
tory to  the  army.  They  keenly  resented  his  abuse  to 
the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  his  continuance  in  jom- 
mission  probably  would  have  produced  great  incon- 
venience. 

Scarcely  had  Sir  Henry  Clinton  reached  New- York, 
when  a  French  fleet  appeared  oft'  the  Chesapeak,  un 
i*er  the  command  of  Count  d'Estaing.     He  had  been 
VOL.  1.  15 


170  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I77b 

eighty-seven  days  in  crossing  the  Atlantick.  Had  his 
passage  been  an  ordinary  one,  he  would  have  found 
Lord  Howe  in  the  Delaware,  and  tne  capture  or  de- 
struction of  thu  British  fleet  in  that  river,  and  proba- 
bly of  the  army,  in  Philadelphia,  must  have  boon  the 
consequence.  Count  d'Estaing  being  disappointed  at 
the  Delaware,  sailed  along  the  coast  to  Sandy  Hook 
General  WASHINGTON  moved  his  army  la  the  White 
Plains,  thai  he  might  be  in  a  situation  to  co-operate 
with  the  French  Admiral  against  New-York. 

In  the  mean  time,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  employed  his 
whole  force  to  strengthen  his  lines.  The  French  Ad- 
miral finding  an  attack  upon  New-York  impracticable, 
a  conjoint  expedition  was  planned  against  Rhode- 
Island. 

At  the  critical  moment  when  the  success  of  the 
united  action  of  the  French  and  American  army  was 
reduced  to  a  moral  certainty,  Count  d'Estaing  sailed 
out  of  the  harbour  of  Newport  to  fight  Lord  Howe 
Being  overtaken  by  a  violent  storm,  his  fleet  was 
greatly  damaged,  and  he  thought  it  adviscable  to  repair 
to  Boston  harbour  to  refit. 

In  conseqi  cnce  of  the  harbour  of  Newport  being 
opened  to  the  British,  General  Sullivan,  the  com- 
manding officer  upon  Rhode-Island,  was  compelled  to 
retreat.  He  and  his  general  officers  had  remonstrated 
against  Count  d'Estaing  leaving  Newport,  arid  in 
•  the  moment  of  disappointment  and  irritation  at  the 
failure  of  the  expedition,  General  Sullivan  in  or 
dors,  used  expressions  which  were  construed  into  a 
Bevere  reflection  upon  the  French  Admiral  and  other 
marine  -officers,  and  which  they  resented. 

General  WASHINGTON,  alarmed  at  the  probable  con- 
sequences of  a  misunderstanding  and  jealousy  between 
the  French  and  Americans,  so  soon  after  the  alliance 
was  formed,  and  in  the  Very  commencement  of  theil 
united  operations,  immediately  adopted  measures  to 
prevent  them.  In  letters  to  Generals  Heath  and  SuU' 


1778.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  17V 

ran.  he  communicated  the  mode  of  conduct  which  ho 
wished  mi.rh'  in  this  delicate  transaction  be  pursued. 

To  Heath,  who  commanded  in  Boston,  he  expressed 
his  apprehension  that  resentment  of  the  conduct  of 
the-  Count  ii!i<rht  prevent  the  proper  exertion  to  repair 
and  victual  the  French  fleet,  and  he  urged  Heath  t» 
counteract  such  piujudices. 

"  It  will  certainly  be  sound  policy  to  combat  tha 
effects,  and  whatever  private  opinions  may  ta  tnter- 
tained,  to  give  the  best  construction  of  what  h^s  hap- 
pened to  the  publick  ;  and  at  the  same  ti:ne  to  exert 
ourselves  to  put  the  French  fleet,  as  soo-a  as  possible, 
In  a  condition  to  defend  itself,  and  be  useful  to  us 
The  dc  parture  of  the  fl^et  from  Rhode- fs'and  is  not 
yet  publickly  announced  here  ;  but  when  i'k  is,  1  intend 
to  ascribe  it  to  necessity  produced  by  the  damage  re- 
ceived in  the  Late  storrn.  This,  it  appear*  to  me,  is  the 
idea  which  ought  to  be  generally  propagatnd.  As  I 
doubt  not,  the  force  of  these  reasons  will  strike  you 
equally  with  myself,  I  would  recommend  to  you  to  use 
your  utmost  influence  to  palliate  and  soften  matters, 
and  to  induce  those,  whose  business  it  is,  to  provide 
succours  of  every  kind  for  the  fleet,  to  employ  their 
utmost  zeal  and  activity  in  doing  it.  It  is  our  duty  to 
make  the  best  of  our  misfortunes,  and  not  surfer 
passion  to  interfere  with  our  interest  and  the  publick 
good." 

To  General  Sullivan  he  mentioned  "his  apprehen 
sion  that  should  the  expedition  fail,  in  consequence  ol 
being  abandoned  by  the  French  fleet,  loud  complaints 
might  be  made  by  the  officers  employed  on  it.  Pru- 
dence," he  said,  "  dictated  the  propriety  of  giving  this 
affair  the  best  appeairance,  and  of  attributing  tho 
withdrawing  the  fleet*  from  Rhode-Island  to  absolute 
necessity.  The  reasons,"  he  added.  "  for  this  line  of 
conduct,  were  too  obvious  to  need  explanation.  That 
of  most- importance  was,  that  their  enenies,  both  in 


172  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1778 

ternal  and  external,  would  seize  the  first  cause  of  dis 
gust  between  the  allies,  and  endeavour  to  convert  it 
into  a  serious  rupture." 

When  the  General  received  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress, directing  him  to  take  every  measure  in  hia 
power  to  prevent  the  publication  of  the  protest  enter- 
ed into  by  General  Sullivan  and  his  officers,  he  com- 
municated the  resolution  and  with  it  the  following 
letter.  "  The  disagreement  between  the  army  under 
your  command,  and  the  fleet,  has  given  me  very  singu- 
lar uneasiness.  The  continent  at  large  is  concerned 
in  our  cordiality,  and  it  should  be  kept  up  by  all  possi- 
ble means  consistent  with  our  honour  and  policy. 
First  impressions,  you  know,  a-e  generally  longest  re- 
tained, and  will  serve  to  fix,  in  a  great  degree,  our 
national  character  with  the  French.  In  our  conduct 
towards  them,  we  should  remember,  that  they  are  a 
people  old  in  war,  very  strict  in  military  etiquette,  and 
apt  to  take  fire  when  others  scarcely  seem  warmed. 
Permit  me  to  recommend,  in  the  most  particular  man- 
ner, the  cultivation  of  harmony  and  good  agreement, 
and  your  endeavours  to  destroy  that  ill  humour  which 
may  have  found  its  way  among  the  officers.  It  is  of 
the  utmost  importance  too,  that  the  soldiers  and  the 
people  should  know  nothing  of  this  misunderstanding, 
or,  if  it  has  reached  them,  that  means  may  be  used  to 
stop  its  progress  and  prevent  its  efl'ects." 

In  a  correspondence  with  Count  d'Estaing,  General 
WASHINGTON  strove  to  soften  his  resentments,  to  sooth 
ilv:  chagrin  of  disappointment,  and  to  conciliate  hia 
good  affections  towards  the  United  States. 

These  prudent  measures  wsre  attended  with  the 
most  salutary  effects. 

With  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  active  operations  fcf 
the  campaign  closed  in  the  Middle  States.  On  the 
approach  of  winter,  the  American  army  went  inta 
quarters  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Hifrk  Land* 


1776.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  173 

Being  better  clothed  and  fed  than  in  tne  preceding 
winter,  their  situation  was  greatly  ameliorated,  and 
their  sufferings  were  comparatively  nothing. 

At  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  1778,  the  local 
situation  of  the  hostile  armies  did  not  greatly  differ 
from  that  at  *he  commencement  of  the  campaign  of 
177t>,  except  the  possession  of  New- York  by  tht 
British. 

This  fact  is  impressively  stated  by  General  WASH 
INOTON,  in  a  letter  written  to  a  friend.  "  It  is  not  a 
little  pleasing,  nor  less  wonderful  to  contemplate,  that 
ailer  two  years  manoeuvring,  and  undergoing  the 
strangest  vicissitudes,  both  armies  are  brought  back  to 
the  very  point  they  set  out  from,  and  the  offending  par- 
ty in  the  beginning  is  now  reduced  to  the  use  of  the 
pickaxe  and  the  spade  for  defence.  The  hand  of  pro- 
vidence has  been  so  conspicuous  in  all  this,  that  ha 
must  be  worse  than  an  infidel  that  lacks  faith,  and 
more  tlian  wicked  that  has  not  gratitude  to  acknow- 
ledge his  obligation*." 
It* 


174  LIFK  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1779 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Plan  formed  bj  Congress  and  tlie  FrRnch  Minister  for  the  Invasion 
of  Canada  and  Nova-Soil  ia — General  Washington's  objections 
toil — Tardiness  of  the  United  States  to  prepare  for  the  approach- 
ing Campaign — The  exertions  of  the  General — His  Letter  on  the 
State  of  the  Notion — The  Remonstrance  of  Officers  belonging  to 
the  New-Jersey  Hrigadc — Letters  of  the  Commander  in  Cnifif  on 
the  Subject — Expedition  against  the  Indians  under  General  Sul- 
livan— He  destroys  thotr  Towns — The  American  Army  posted 
for  the  Defence  of  the  High  Lands  on  the  North  River,  and  for 
the  protection  of  tlx)  Country  against  the  Incursions  of  the  Bri- 
tish— Sir  Henry  Clinton  moves  up  the  Hudson,  takes  Possession 
of  Stony  and  Verplank  Points,  and  fortifies  them — Arrangements 
made  for  assanltiiigt1ie.se  Posts — General  Wayne  carries  Stony 
Point  by  Storm — The  Attark  upo!!  Verplank  fails— -Congress  vote 
their  thanks  to  General  Washington  and  to  the  brave  Troops 
employed  in  this  service — They  vole  Genera!  Wayne  a  Mfcdal— 
Kvils  of  short  Enlistments — Plan  oftlie  General's  to  remedy  thr.ni 
— The  Army  in  two  divisions  erect  huts  for  Winter  Cluarters, — 
The  Troop*  suffer  th.ough  the  scarcity  of  Provisions — Colonel 
VVadsworth  resigns  UU  Office — Confusion  in  the  Commissary's 
Department — Tlie  Commander  in  Chief  apportions  supplies  of 
Meal  and  Flour  upon  the  Countjes  of  New-Jersey — Tlie  Winter 
«.\c.»;ssivi  Iv  cidd,  iiiul  the  Witters  around  New- York  frozen  over 
— E.\|>cdition  to  Statcn  Island  fails. 

1770.  THE  emancipation  of  Cajiada  had  ever  been 
an  important  object  with  Congress.  By  its  incorpora- 
tion witli  the  revolted  colonies,  the  boundaries  of  the 
United  States  would  bo  greatly  enlarged,  and  the  coun- 
try delivered  from  the  destruction  and  terrour  of  war 
from  the  northern  tribes  of  Indians. 

In  the  winter  of  1777 — 8,  an  expedition  for  this  pur- 
pose had  been  settled  with  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette, 
and  in  its  prosecution  he  repaired  to  Ticondero./a. 
Wanting  then  the  means  to  accomplish  the  design,  it 
was  relinquished.  During  tlie  succeeding  autumn  the 
scheme  was  resumed  under  the  auspices  of  the  French 
Minister.  The  pl'in  embraced  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
Nova  Scotia,  and  all  their  dependencies-  It  was  to  be 
carried  into  effect  by  the  joint  operations  of  distinct 
detachments  of  Americans,  acting  in  dill'erent  points, 


1779.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ITS 

and  all  co-operating  with  a  French  fleet  and  army  on 
the  river  Saiiit  Lawrence. 

This  lofty  scheme  of  military  operations  had  been 
adopted  in  Congress  without  consulting  with  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  or  any  American  officer.  It  was  to 
be  communicated  to  the  French  Court  by  the  Marquis 
de  la  Fayette,  and  his  influence,  with  that  of  the 
French  Minister,  was  to  be  employed  to  induce  his 
government  to  adopt  their  part  of  the  expedition.  In 
October  the  plan  was  communicated  to  General 
WASHINGTON,  he  was  desired  to  give  Congress  his 
opinion  upon  it,  and  to  enclose  it  with  his  comments 
to  the  Marquis. 

The  General  had  already  revolved  in  his  mind  an 
expedition  against  the  British  posts  in  Upper  Canada, 
with  the  intention  to  be  prosecuted  the  next  season, 
on  the  contingence  that  the  British  army  should  be 
withdrawn  from  the  United  States.  Struck  with  the 
extravagance  of  the  plan  of  Congress,  instead  of  com- 
plying with  their  requisition,  he  wrote  to  tltem,  stating 
in  strong  terms  his  objections  to  the  scheme.  He 
mentioned  the  impolicy  of  entering  into  any  engage- 
ments with  the  Court  of  France  to  execute  a  combined 
system  of  operation,  without  a  moral  certainty  of  be- 
ing able  to  execute  the  part  assigned  to  America. 

It  was,  the  General  observed,  morally  certain  in  his 
mind,  that  if  the  English  should  maintain  their  posts 
on  the  continent,  it  would  be  impracticable  to  furnish 
the  men,  or  the  necessary  stores  and  provisions  for  the 
expedition.  "  II'  I  rightly  understand  the  plan,"  he  re- 
marked, "  it  requires  for  its  execution,  twelve  thou- 
sand and  six  hundred  rank  and  file.  Besides  these,  to 
open  passages  through  a  wilderness,  for  the  march  of 
the  several  bodies  of  troops,  to  provide  the  means  of 
long  and  difficult  transportation  by  land  and  water,  to 
establish  posts  of  communication  for  the  security  of 
our  convoys,  to  build  and  man  vessels  of  force  neces- 
sary for  acquiring  a  superiority  on  the  lakes ;  thew 


176  L  Fh  OF  WASHINGTON, 

and  ninny  other  purposes  peculiar  to  these  enterprises, 
will  require  a  much  larger  pmport  ion.  of  artificers,  and 
persons  to  l»e  employed  in  manual  an(F  laborious  offices 
than  are  usual  in  military  operations."  The  aggregate 
number,  he  obf~-""d,  requisite  for  the  contemplated 
expedition,  addexi  co  the  force  necessary  to  be  kept  in 
the  field  to  restrain  depredation  from  the  British  posts 
at  New -York,  would  make  nearlv  double  the  men  ne- 
cessary, to  any  number,  which  with  all  their  eftorts,  the 
JJnited  States  were  ever  yet  able  to  raise. 

The  experience  of  the  General  tauirhl  him,  that  it 
would  be  as  difficult  to  furnish  the  necessary  supplies 
of  provisions  as  to  raise  the  men.  "  The  scene  of  our 
operations  has  hitherto  been  in  the  heart  oi'  the  coun- 
try, fur-ushiuir  our  resources,  which  of  course  facilitat- 
ed tl»"  drawing  them  out.  We  shall  then  be  carrying  on 
the  war  at  nn  immense  distance,  in  a  country  wild  e.nd 
uncultivated,  incapable  of  affording  any  aid,  and  great 
part  ot  it  hostile.  We  cannot,  in  this  case,  depend  on 
temporary  ami  occasional  supplies,  as  we  have  been  ac- 
customed ;  bul  must  have  ample  magazines  laid  up  be- 
fore-hand. The  labour  and  expense  in  forming  these, 
and  transporting  the  necessary  stores  of  every  kind  for 
the  use  of  the  troops,  will  be  i'ncreased  to  a  degree 
that  can  be  more  easily  conceived  than  described 
The  transportation  must  be  a  great  part  of  the  way 
through  deserts  airordin<_r  no  other  forage  than  herb- 
asro  ;  and  from  this  circumstance  our  principal  provi- 
sions, of  the  flesh  kind,  must  be  snited,  which  would 
greatly  increase  tho  difficulty,  both  of  providing  and 
transporting."  Supplies  upon  this  scale,  ho  conceived, 
greatly  exceeded  the  resources  of  the  country,  and  in 
policy  and  honour,  Congress  could  not  promise  to  fur- 
nish them. 

Serious  doubts  resit  d. upon  the  mind  of  the  General, 
whether  France  would  execute  the  part  of  the  Canada 
•xpeditioa  assigned  to  he1  The  superiority  of  the 
British  fleet  was  evident  /lie  Court  of  London  would 


1779.]  L1JFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  17? 

be  made  acquainted  with  the  scheme,  and  a  sivperiour 
British  fleet  might  prevent  the  Frencii  squadron,  d*» 
tached  on  this  service,  from  entering  the  riv«r  St 
Lawrence,  or  destroy  it  after  its  entrance,  or  the  Kri 
tish  garrisons  in  Canada  might  be  reinforced,  and  ren 
'  dered  superiour  to  the  assailing  armament. 

In  an  expedition  consisting  of  several  distinct  parts, 
General  WASHINGTON  thought  it  unreasonable  to  ex- 
pectthat  exact  co-operation  among  the  different  detach- 
ments which  would  be  necessary  for  mutual  support  ; 
of  consequence,  the  divisions  might  be  defeated  in  de 
tail,  and  after  all  the  expense,  the  expedition  miscarry. 
The  consequences  of  a  failure,  which  were  much  to 
be  deprecated,  would  be  the  misapplication  of  the 
Fronch  force  ;  the  ruin  of  t.ke  detachments  employed 
in  the  expedition,  and  jealousy  and  disaffection  between 
France  and  the  United  States. 

The  letter  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  Congress  re 
ferred  to  a  Committee.  In  their  report,  this  Commit- 
tee admit  his  objections  to  be  weighty,  but  still  advise 
to  the  prosecution  of  the  plan.  Congress  accepted  the 
report,  and  again  requested  the  General  to  write  fully 
on  the  subject  to  the  Marquis,  and  to  Dr.  Franklin, 
then  the  American  Minister  at  the  Court  <.  f  Versailles. 
Congress  probably  felt  themselves  aJready  pledged  by 
their  conversatioa  with  the  Marquis  and  the  French 
Minister,  and  possibly  they  thought  th<tt  measures  had 
already  boon  adopted  in  France  to  carry  tire  plan  into 
execution. 

General  WASHINGTON  was  greatly  perplexed  by  the 
perseverance  of  Congress  in  this  measure.  All  his  ob- 
jections to  tke  p1a.«  remained  in  full  force,  and  he  found 
himself  called  Upon  to  u*sc  his  influence  to  bring  tlio 
French  government  to  adopt  a  scheme,  of  which  h<3 
himself  wholly  disapproved,  and  to  promise  the  lo-opc- 
ration  of  the  American  arms  in  a  manner  that  lie 
thought  iuipruclieaWa  To  this  request  he  thus  re- 
plied • 


/73  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [1770 

"  I  have  attentively  take*  up  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee nf  the  tilth,  (approved  by  Congress)  on  the 
subject  of  my  letter  of  the  llth  ultimo,  on  the  propos- 
ed expedition-  into  Canada.  I  have  considered  it  in 
Bfcveral  lights,  am]  sincerely  regret  that  ]  should  feel 
myself  under  any  embarrassment  in  carrying  it  into 
execution  Still  I  renain  of  opinion,  from  a  general 
re%  iew  of  things,  and  the  slate  of  our  resources,  that 
no  extensive  system  of  co-operatirin  with  the  French 
for  the  complete  emancipation  of  Canada,  can  be  po- 
sitively decided  on- for  the  ensuing  year.  To  propose  a 
plan  of  perfect  en-operation  with  a/oreien  power,  with- 
out a  moral  certainty  in  our  supplies  ;  and  to  have  that 
plan  actually  ratified  with  the  Court  of  Versailles, 
miirht  be  attended,  in  case  of  f;iilure  in  the  conditions 
on  our  part,  with  very  fatal  effects. 

"  It  I  should  sen 1 1  unwilling  to  transmit  the  plan  as 
prepared  by  Congress,  with  my  observations,  it  is  be- 
c;ms<;  I  find  myself  under  a  necessity  (in  order  to  give 
our  minister  sullicient  ground  to  found  an  application 
on)  to  propose  something  more  than  a  vague  and  in- 
decisive plan  ;  which,  even  in  the  event  of  a  total 
evacuation  of  the  states  by  the  enemy,  may  be  render 
ed  impracticable  in  the  execution  by  a  variety  of  ia 
surmountable  obstacles  ;  or  if  1  retain  my  present  sen- 
timents, and  act  consistently,  1  must  point  out  the  dif 
ficiilties,  as  they  appear  to  m3,  winch  must  embarrass 
his  negotiations,  and  may  disappoint  lite  views  of 
Congress. 

"  But  proceeding  on  the  idea  of  the  enemy  s  leaving 
thrse  states,  before  the  active  part  of  the  ensuing  cam- 
oaign,  1  should  fear  to  hazard  a  mistake,  is  to  the  pre- 
cise aim  and  extent  of  the  views  of  Congress.  The 
conduct  I  am  to  observe  in  writing  to  our  iVlinister  at 
the  Co-irt  of  France,  does  not  appear  sufficiently  de- 
lineated. Wore  I  to  undertake  it,  I  should  be  much 
afraid  oc  erring  through  misconception.  In  this  dilem 
«na,  1  would  vsteem  it  a  particular  favour  to  be  cxcua 


1779.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  179 

ed  from  writing  at  all  on  the  subject,  especially  as  it  is 
the  part  of  candour  in  me  to  acknowledge,  that  1  do 
not  see  my  way  clear  enough  to  point  out  such  a  plan 
for  co-operation,  as  i  conceive  to  be  consistent  with  the 
ideas  of  Congress,  and  as  will  be  sufficiently  explana- 
tory, with  respect  to  time  and  circumstances,  to  give 
eff.cacy  to  the  measure. 

"  But  if  Congress  still  think  it  necessary  for  me  to 
proceed  in  the  business,  I  must  request  their  more 
definite  and  explicit  instructions,  and  that  they  will 
permit  me,  previous  to  transmitting  the  intended  de 
•patches,  to  submit  them  to  their  determination. 

"  1  could  wish  to  lay  before  Congress  more  minutely, 
the  state  of  the  army,  the  condition  of  supnlies,  and 
the  requisites  necessary  for  carrying  into  execution  an 
undertaking  that  may  involve  the  most  serious  events 
If  Congress  think  this  can  be  done  more  satisfactorily 
in  a  personal  conference,  I  hope  to  have  the  army  in 
such  a  situation  before  I  can  receipt)  their  answer,  as 
to  afford  me  an  opportunity  of  giving  my  attendance." 

Congress  indulged  the  General  with  the  proposed 
interview,  and  a  Committee  of  their  body  was  chosen 
to  confer  with  him  on  this  business  and  on  the  state  of 
the  army.  Flis  objections  were  found  to  be  unanswer- 
able, and  the  Canada  expedition  was  laid  aside. 

To  the  magnificent  schemes  of  Congress  upon  Ca- 
nada, succeeded  through  United  Atnejica  a  state  of  su- 
pinencss  anJ  inaction.  An  alliance  wit).  France  was  re- 
ceived as  a  security  for  independence  In  the  expec- 
tation that  Great  Btitain  would  relinquish  the  Ameri- 
can war,  that  she  might  with  her  united  force  contend 
with  her  ancient  enemy  in  Europe,  Congress  appeared 
uot  disposed  to  encounter  the  expense  necessary  to 
prepare  for  another  active  campaign.  The  delusive 
supposition'  that  the  war  was  over  prevailed  through 
the  country,  and  palsied  thr  spirit  of  the  community 
General  WASHINGTON  perpetually  stimulated  his  coun- 
trviuen  to  exertion.  Uninfected  with  the  common  de 


180  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [1779 

lusion,  he  believed  that  Great  Britain  would  continue 
the  American  war,  and  in  every  possible  way  exerted 
himself  seasonably  to  be  prepared  for  the  conflict  of 
the  field.  But  Congress  was  slowly  ronsed  to  atten 
tion  to  this  important  business.  Their  resolution  cm 
powering  tlie  Commander  in  Chief  *•>  recruit  the  army 
did  not  pass  until  the  2l!d  of  January  177!),  and  the 
requisition  upon  the  several  states  was  not  made  until 
the  !!th  of  March. 

The  dissensions  which  at  this  time  existed  in  Con- 
gress, the  speculations  that  prevailed  through  the 
country  in  consequence  of  the  depreciation  of  paper 
money,  ami  the  apparent  reluctance  among  all  classes 
of  citizens  to  make  sacrifices  for  the  publick  interest, 
greatly  alarmed  General  WASHINGTON.  His  appre- 
hensions are  fully  disclosed  in  the  annexed  letter  writ- 
ten at  the  time  to  a  confidential  friend  of  distinguished 
reputation  in  the  political  world. 

"  1  am  particularly  desirous  of  a  free  communication 
of  sentiments  with  you  at  this  time,  because  1  view 
things  very  differently,  I  fear,  from  what  people  in 
general  do,  who  seem  to  think  the  contest  at  an  end, 
and  that  to  make  money  and  get  places  are  the  only 
things  new  remaining  to  be  done.  I  have  seen  with- 
out despondency,  even  for  a  moment,  the  hours  which 
America  has  styled  her  gloomy  ones  ;  but  I  have  be 
held  no  day  since  the  commencement  of  hostilities, 
when  I  have  thought  her  liberties  in  such  imminent 
danger  as  at  present  Friends  and  foes  seem  now  to 
combine  to  pull  down  the  goodly  fabrick  we  have  hi- 
therto been  raising,  at  the  expense  of  so  mucli  time, 
blood,  and  treasure  ;  and  unless  the  bodies  politick  will 
exert  themselves  to  bring  things  back  to  first  princi- 
ples, correct  abuses,  and  punish  our  internal  foes,  ine- 
vitable ruin  must  follow,  indeed  we  seem  to  be  verg- 
ing so  fast  to  destruction  that  I  am  filled  with  sensa 
tions  to  which  I  have  been  a  stranger  until  within 
these  three  months.  Our  enemy  behold  with  exulta 


1779.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  181 

tion  and  joy  how  effectually  we  labour  for  their  bene- 
fit ;  aad  from  being  in  a  state  of  absolute  despair  and 
on  the  point  of  evacuating  America,  are  now  on  tip- 
toe. Nothing,  therefore,  in  rny  judgment,  can  save  u* 
but  a  total  reformation  in  our  own  conduct,  or  some  de 
cisive  turn  of  affairs  in  Europe.  The  former,  alas  !  to 
our  shanr)  be  it  spoken,  is  less  likely  to  happen  than 
the  latter,  as  it  is  HOW  consistent  with  the  views  of  the 
speculators,  various  tribes  of  money-makers,  and  stock- 
jobbers of  all  denominations,  to  continue  the  war,  for 
their  own  private  emolument,  without  considering 
that  this  avarice  and  thirst  for  gain  must  plunge  every 
thing,  including  themselves,  in  one  common  ruin. 

"  Were  I  to  indulge  my  present  feelings,  and  give 
a  loose  to  that  freedom  of  expression  which  my  unre- 
served friendship  would  prompt  to,  I  should  say  a 
great  deal  on  this  subject.  But  letters  are  liable  to  so 
many  accidents,  and  the  sentiments  of  men  in  office 
are  sought  after  by  the  enemy  with  so  much  c.vidity, 
and  besides  conveying  useful  knowledge  (if  they  get 
into  their  hands)  for  the  superstructure  of  their  plans, 
are  so  often  perverted  to  the  worst  of  purposes,  that  I 
shall  be  somewhat  reserved,  notwithstanding  this  letter 
goes  by  a  private  hand  to  Mount  Vernon.  I  cannot 
refrain  lamenting,  however,  in  the  most  poignant 
terms,  the  fatal  policy  too  prevalent  in  most  of  the 
Btates,  of  employing  their  ablest  men  at  home,  in  posts 
of  honour  or  profit,  before  the  great  national  interest 
is  fixed  upon  a  solid  basis. 

"  To  me  it  appears  no  unjust  simile,  to  compare  the 
affairs  of  this  great  continent  to  the  mechanism  of  a 
clock,  each  state  representing  some  one  or  other  of  the 
small  parts  of  it,  vhich  they  are  endeavouring  to  put 
in  fine  ordor,  without  considering  how  useless  and  un- 
availing their  labour  is,  unless  the  great  wneel,  or 
spring,  which  is  to  set  the  whole  in  nli'tion,  is  also 
well  attended  to  :nd  kept  in  good  order.  1  allude  to 

Vol.  I.  1(5 


18'<J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  1177$ 

no  particular  state,  nor  do  I  rnean  to  cast  reflection 
upon  any  one  of  them,  nor  ought  I,  as  it  may  be  said, 
to  do  so  upon  their  representatives  i  but  as  it  is  a  fact 
too  notorious  to  be  concealed,  that  Congress  is  rent  by 
party  ;  that  much  business  of  a  trifling  nature  and 
personal  concernment,  withdraws  their  attention  from 
matters  of  great  national  mo.nent,  at  this  critical  peri- 
od ;  when  it  is  also  known  that  idleness  and  dissipation 
take  place  of  close  attention  and  application  ;  no  man 
who  wishes  well  to  the  liberties  of  his  country,  and  de- 
sires to  see  its  rights  established,  can  avcid  crying  out 
—Where  are  our  men  of  abilities  ?  Why  do  they  "not 
come  forth  to  save  their  country  ?  Let  this  voice,  My 
dear  sir,  call  upon  you,  Jefferson,  and  others.  Do  not, 
from  a  mistaken  opinion  that  we  are  to  sit  down  under 
our  vine  and  our  own  fig-tree,  let  our  hitherto  noble 
struggle  end  in  ignominy.  Believe  me  when  I  tell 
you  there  is  danger  of  it.  I  have  pretty  good  reasons 
for  thinking  that  administration,  a  little  while  ago,  had 
resolved  to  give  the  matter  up,  and  negotiate  a  peace 
with  us  upon  almost  any  terms  ;  but  I  shall  be  much 
mistaken  if  they  do  not  now,  from  the  present  state  of 
our  currency,  dissensions,  and  other  circumstances, 
push  matters  to  the  utmost  extremity.  Nothing,  I  am 
sure  will  prevent  it  but  the  interruption  of  Spain,  and 
their  disappointed  hope  from  Prussia.'' 

The  depreciation  of  the  paper  currency  liad  reduced 
the  pay  of  the  American  officers  to  a  pittance,  and  the 
effects  were  severely  felt.  At  the  moment  the  cam- 
paign was  to  open,  the  dissatisfaction  of  a  part  of  the 
sufferers  broke  out  into  acts  of  violence,  which  threat- 
ened the  safety  of  the  whole  army.  •  Early  in  May,  the 
Jersey  Brigade  was  ordered  to  march  as  part  of  a  force 
destined  on  a.i  expedition  into  the  Indian  country. 
On  the  reception  of  this  older,  the  officers  of  the  first 
regiment  presented  to  their  Colonel  a  remonstrance, 
addressed  to  the  Leg'slature  of  the  State,  in  which 


1779.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  183 

they  professed  the  determination,  unless  that  body  im- 
mediately attended  to  their  pay  and  support,  within 
three  days  to  resign  their  commissions. 

This  resolution  greatly  disturbed  the  Commander  ip 
Chief.  He  foresaw  its  evil  consequences,  and  en  thir 
important  occasion  determined  to  exert  his .  personal 
influence.  In  a  letter  to  General  Maxwell,  to  be  com 
municated  to  the  dissatisfied  officers,  he  dissuaded  then 
by  a  sense  of  honour,  and  t>y  the  love  of  country  fron< 
the  prosecution  of  the  rash  measure  they  had  adopted 

"  There  is  nothing,"  proceeds  the  letter,  "  which 
has  happened  in  course  of  the  war,  that  has  given  me 
so  much  pain  as  the  remonstrance  you  mention  fjom 
the  officers  of  the  first  Jersey  regiment.  I  cannot  but 
consider  it  as  a  hasty  and  imprudent  step,  which  on 
more  cool  consideration  they  will  themselves  Condemn. 
I  am  very  sensible  of  the  inconveniences  under  which 
the  officers  of  the  army  labour,  and  I  hope  they  do  me 
the  justice  to  believe,  that  my  endeavours  to  procure 
them  relief  are  incessant.  There  is  more  difficulty 
however,  in  satisfying  their  wishes  than  perhaps  they 
are  aware  of.  Our  resources  have  been  hitherto  very 
limited.  The  situation  of  our  money  is  no  small  em- 
barrassment ;  for  which,  though  there  are  remedies 
\hey  cannot  be  the  work  of  a  moment.  Government 
is  not  insensible  of  the  merits  and  sacrifices  of  the  offi- 
cers, nor,  I  am  persuaded,  unwilling  to  make  a  com 
pensation  ;  but  it  is  a  truth,  of  which  a  little  observa 
tion  must  convince  us,  that  it  is  very  much  straitened 
in  the  means.  Great  allowances  ought  to  be  made  on 
this  account,  for  any  delay,  and  seeming  backwardness 
which  may  appear.  Some  of  the  States  indeed  have 
done  as  generously  as  it  is  at  this  juncture  in  their 
power,  and  if  others  have  been  less  expeditious,  it 
ought  to  be  ascribed  to  some  peculiar  cause,  which  a 
little  time,  aided  by  example,  will  remove.  The  pa- 
tience and  perseverance  of  the  army  have  been,  under 
»verv  disadvantage,  such  as  to  do  fhnm  th  highest 


Iri4  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.         [177S> 

honour,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  have  inspired 
me  with  an  unlimited  confidence  in  their  virtue,  which 
has  consoled  me  amidst  every  perplexity  and  reveise 
of  fortune,  to  which  our  affairs  in  a  struggle  of  this  na- 
ture, were  necessarily  exposed.  Now  that  we  have 
made  so  great  a  progress  to  the  attainment  of  the  end 
we  have  in  view,  so  tliat  we  cannot  fail  without  a  most 
shameful  desertion  of  our  own  interests,  any  thing  like 
a  change  of  conduct  would  imply  a  very  unhappy 
change  of  principles,  and  a  forgetfulness  as  well  of 
what  we  owe  to  ourselves  as  to  our  country.  Did  I 
suppose  it  possible  this  could  be  the  case,  even  in  a 
single  regiment  of  the  army,  I  should  be  mortified  and 
chagrined  beyond  expression.  I  should  feel  it  as  a 
wound  given  to  my  own  honour,  which  I  consider  aa 
embarked  with  that  of  the  army  at  large.  But  this  I 
believe  to  be  impossible.  Any  corps  that  was  about  to 
set  an  example  of  the  kind,  would  weigh  well  the  con- 
sequences ;  and  no  officer  of  common  discernment  and 
sensibility  would  hazard  them.  If  they  should  stand 
alone  in  it,  independent  of  other  consequences,  what 
would  be  tlreir  feelings  on  reflecting  that  they  had  held 
themselves  out  to  the  world  in  a  point  of  li^'ht  inferi- 
our  to  the  rest  of  the  army.  Or  if  their  example  should 
be  followed,  and  become  general,  how  could  they  con- 
sole themselves  for  having  been  the  foremost  in  bring- 
ing ruin  and  disgrace  upon  their  country.  They 
*ould  remember  that  the  army  would  share  a  double 
portion  of  the  general  infamy  and  distress,  and  that  the 
character  of  an  American  officer  would  become  as  de- 
'jjicable,  as  it  is  now  glorious. 

"  I  confess  the  appearances  in  the  present  instance 
aro  disagreeable  ;  but  1  am  convinced  they  seem  to 
mean  more  than  they  really  do.  The  Jersey  officers 
have  not  been  outdone  by  any  others  in  the  qualities, 
cither  of  citizens  or  soWiers  ;  and  1  am  confident,  no 
part  of  them  would  seriously  intend  any  thing  that 
•would  lie  a  stai^  on  their  former  reputation.  The  jrep 


1779.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  185 

tlcmen  cannot  be  in  earnest ;  they  have  only  reasoned 
wrong  about  the  means  of  obtaining  a  good  end,  and 
on  consideration,  I  hope  and  flatter  myself  they  will 
renounce  what  must  appear  improper.  At  the  open- 
ing of  a  campaign,  when  under  inarching  orders  for 
an  important  service,  their  own  honour,  duty  to  the 
publick,  and  to  themselves,  and  a  regard  to  military 
propriety,  will  not  suffer  them  to  persist  in  a  measure, 
which  would  be  a  violation  of  them  all.  It  will  even 
wound  their  delicacy,  coolly  to  reflect,  that  they  have 
hazarded  a  step  which  has  an  air  of  dictating  terms  to 
their  country,  by  taking  advantage  of  the  necessity  of 
the  moment. 

"  The  declaration  they  have  made  to  the  state,  at 
so  critical  a  time,  that  unless  they  obtain  relief  in  the 
short  period  of  three  days,  they  must  be  considered  out 
of  the  service,  has  very  much  that  aspect ;  and  the 
seeming  relaxation  of  continuing  until  the  state  can 
have  a  reasonable  time  to  provide  other  officers,  will 
be  thought  only  a  superficial  veil.  I  am  now  to  re- 
quest that  you  will  convey  my  sentiments  to  the  gen- 
tlemen concerned,  and  endeavour  to  make  them  sensi- 
ble tha*.  they  are  in  an-errour.  The  service  fbr  which 
the  regiment  was  intended,  will  not  admit  of  delay. 
It  must  at  all  events  march  on  Monday  morning,  in 
the  first  place  to  this  camp,  and  further  directions  will 
be  given  when  it  arrives.  I  am  sure  I  shall  not  be 
mistaken  in  expecting  a  psompt  and  cheerful  obedi- 
ence." 

This  letter  made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  minds 
of  the  officers,  but  did  not  fully  produce  the  desired 
effect.  In  an  address  to  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
they  expressed  their  unhappiness,  that  any  act  of  their* 
should  occasion  him  pain ;  but  in  justification  of  th« 
measure  they  had  adopted,  they  pleaded  that  their  state 
government  had  paid  no  attention  to  their  repeated 
petitions,  that  they  were  themselves  loaded  with  debts, 
Mid  tiiat  their  families  were  starving  "  At 


186  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [177b 

said  they  :'  we  have  lost  all  confidence  in  our  Legisla- 
ture. Reason  and  experience  tbrbid  that  we  should 
have  any.  Few  of  us  have  private  fortunes  ;  many 
have  families  who  are  already  suffering  every  tiling 
lhat  can  be  received  from  an  ungrateful  country.  Are 
we  then  to  suffer  all  the  inconveniences,  fatigues,  and 
dangers,  of  a  military  life,  while  our  wives  and  our 
children  arc  perishing  for  want  of  common  necessaries 
ut  home  ;  and  that  without  the  most  distant  pr  ispect 
of  reward,  for  our  pay  is  only  nominal  ?  We  are  sensi- 
ble that  your  Excellency  cannot  wish  nor  desire  this 
Irorn  us. 

"  We  are  sorry  that  you  should  imagine  we  meant 
to  disobey  orders.  It  was  and  still  is  our  determination 
to  march  with  our  regiment,  and  to  do  the  duty  of  offi 
cers,  until  the  Legislature  shall  have  a  reasonable  time 
to  appoint  others,  but  no  longer.  s 

"  We  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excellency  >hat  wo 
have  the  highest  sense  of  your  ability  and  virtue,  that 
executing  your  orders  has  ever  given  us  pleasure  : 
we  love  the  service,  and  we  love  our  country ;  but 
when  that  country  gets  so  lost  to  virtue  and  justice  as 
to  forgetitu  support  its  servants,  it  then  becomes  their 
duty  to  retire  irom  its  service." 

This  attempt  in  the  officers  to  justify  their  conduct' 
placed  General  WASHINGTON  in  a  very  critical  and 
delicate  situation.  Severe  measures,  he  apprehended, 
would  probably  drive  the  whole  Jersey  brigade  from 
the  service  ;  and  to  assume  the  exercise  of  the  powers 
of  Commander  in  Chief,  and  then  recede  without  pro 
ducing  the  effect,  must  hazard  his  "own  authority,  and 
injure  the  discipline  of  the  army.  Under  these  embar- 
rassing circumstances,  he  prudently  resolved  to  take 
no  further  notice  of  this  address,  than  to  notify  the 
officers,  through  General  Maxwell,  that  while  they  con 
tinued  to  do  their  .duty,  he  should  only  regret  the  step 
they  had  taken,  and  hope  that  they  themselves  would 
oerceive  its  impropriety. 


1779.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Ift7 

This  alarming  transaction,  the  General  communi- 
cated to  Congress,  and  at  the  same  time  reminded  them 
of  his  repeated  and  urgent  entreaties  in  belialf  of  his 
officers.  Some  general  provision  for  them  he  now  re- 
commended as  a  measure  of  absolute  necessity.  "  The 
distresses  in  some  corps,''  he  observed,"  are  so  great, 
either  where  they  were  not  until  lately  attached  to  any 
particular  state,  or  where  the  state  has  been  less  pro- 
vident, that  officers  have  solicited  even  to  be  supplied 
with  the  clothing  destined  for  the  common  soldiers, 
course  and  unsuitable  as  it  was.  1  had  not  power  to 
comply  with  the  request. 

'*  The  patience  of  men  animated  by  a  sense  of  duty 
and  honour,  will  support  them  to  a  certain  point,  be- 
yond which  it  will  not  go.  I  doubt  not  Congress  will 
be  sensible  of  the  danger  of  an  extreme  in  this  respect, 
and  will  pardon  my  anxiety  to  obviate  it." 

The  regiment  marched  agreeably  to  orders,  and  the 
officers  withdrew  their  remonstrance-.  The  Legisla- 
ture took  measures  for  their  relief,  and  they  continued 
Ln  the  service. 

The  situation  of  the  hostile  armies  not  favouring 
active  opera(  .ens,  General  WASHINGTON  planned  an 
expedition  into  the  Indian  country.  His  experience 
while  he  commanded  the  troops  of  Virginia  in  the 
French  war,  convinced  him,  that  the  only  effectual 
method  to  defend  the  frontiers  from  the  destructive 
invasion  of  Indian  foes,  is  to  carry  the  war  into  their 
own  country.  To  retaliate,  in  some  moasure,  the 
cruelties  the  Indians  had  inflicted  on  the  Americans, 
and  to  deter  them  from  their  repetition,  General  Sul 
iivai  ,-the  commanding  officer,  was  ordered,  on  this 
occasion,  to  exercise  a  degree  of  severity,  which,  in 
thf.  usual  operations  of  war,  was  abhorrent  to  the  hii 
mane  disposition  of  the  Commander  in  Chief.  In  the 
course  of  the  s'iminer  months,  General  Sullivan  sue- 
cessfully  prosecuted  the  plan,  and  destroyed  the  Indiaji 


188  LIFE  OF  WASHliNoTON.  n77<J 

towns  upon  the  nortaern  boundary  of  the  state  of 
New-York. 

The  disposable  force  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton  this  year 
consisted  of  between  sixteen  and  seventeen  thousand 
men.  The  troops  under  the  immediate  command  of 
General  WASHINGTON  amounted  to  about  sixteen  thou 
sand.  A  view  of  the  numbers  of  the  two  hostile  ar- 
mies is  sufficient  to  show,  that  offensive  operations 
against  the  strong  posts  of  the  British,  were^ot  in  the 
power  of  General  WASHINGTON.  The  marine  force, 
by  which  these  posts  were  supported,  facilitated  the 
designs  of  the  British  commander  in  predatory  expe 
ditions  upon  the  American  shores  and  rivers;  but  in 
the  middle  states,  the  campaign  passed  away  without 
any  military  operations  upon  a  large  scale.  The 
Arnjricin  General  posted  his  troops  in  a  situation  the 
most  favourable  to  protect  the  country  from  the  excur- 
sions of  the  enemy,  and  to  guard  the  High  Lands  on 
the  north  river.  These  "High  Lands  were  the  object 
of  the  principal  manreuvres  of  the  opposing  Gene- 
rals, and  the  scene  of  some  brilliant  military  achieve- 
ments. 

West  Point  was  now  the  chief  post  of  the  Ameri- 
cans on  the  Hudson.  Here  was  their  principal  maga- 
zine of  provisions  and  military  stores.  It  was  situated 
upon  the  western  side  of  the  river,  in  the  bosom  of  the 
mountain,  was  difficult  of  approach,  and  its  natural 
strength  had  been  increased  by  fortifications,  although 
they  were  not  completed.  Lower  down  at  the  foot  of 
the  mountain  is  King's  ferry,  over  which  passes  the 
great  road  from  the  eastern  to  the  middle  states.  This 
ferry  is  commanded  by  the  points  of  land  on  the  two 
sinrof  The  point  on  the  west  side  is  high,  rough 
pnurtd.  arid  i?  called  Stony  Point.  That  or.  tile  east 
tido  is  M  low  nock  of  lanr!  projecting  into  the  river, 
ER^  dot ominited  Verphuik'fl  Poiht.  On  ench  shore 
Gnnentl  W.\s-ns';T  ?•;  ,n  1  erected  fortiBfcili"ns.  vnd 


77!).]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  189 

t  small  garrison  under  tKe  command  of  a  Captain  with 
p.'aced  in  Verplank. 

Si-r  Henry  Clinton,  on  the  last  of  May,  moved  vr.Ui 
the  greater  part  of  his  force  up  the  river  towards  theso 
posts.  On  his  approach  Stony  Point  was  evacuated  ; 
but  the  celerity  of  his  movements  obliged  the  garrison 
at  Verplank  to  suirender  themselves  prisoners  of  war. 
T  ie  possession  of  King's  ferry  could  not  have  been 
the  sole  object  of  Sir  Henry's  movement,  his  force 
was  much  greater  than  this  purpose  required.  The 
possession  of  West  Point  was  probably  the  ultimate  de- 
sign of  the  expedition  ;  but  the  excellent  disposition 
of  the  American  troops  defeated  this  intention  of  the 
British  Cojnmander.  Having  fortified  the  positions  of 
Stony  Point  and  Verplank,  and  placed  garrisons  in 
them,  Sir  Henry  returned  with  his  army  to  New-York. 

The  Americans  were  subjected  to  great  inconve- 
nience by  the  loss  of  King's  ferry.  To  pass  the  North 
river,  they  were  obliged  to  take  a  route  by  the  way  of 
Fish  Kill,  through  a  rough  and  mountainous  country, 
and  the  transportation  of  heavy  articles  for  the  army 
by  this  circuitous  road  became  very  tedious. 

General  WASHINGTON  was  induced  by  a  variety  of 
motives  to  attempt  the  recovery  of  Stony  and  Ver- 
plank Points.  The  very  attempt  would  recall  the  Uri- 
tish  detachments  that  were  out  on  predatory  expedi- 
tions. Success  in  the  plan  would  give  reputation  to 
the  American  arms,  reconcile  the  publick  mind  to  the 
plan  of  the  campaign,  and  restore  to  the  Americans 
the  convenient  road  across  King's  ferry.  In  pursu 
ar.ce  of  this  intention,  he  reconnoitred  the  posts  and, 
as  far  as  possible,  gained  information  of  the  situation 
of  the  works,  and  of  the  strength  of  the  garrisons. 
The  result  was  a  plan  to  carry  the  posts  by  storm. 
The  assault  upon  Stony  Point  was  committed  to  Ge- 
neral Wayne,  and  that  no  alarm  might  be  given,  hia 
force  was  to  consist  only  of  (he  light  infantry  of  the 
army,  which  coips  was  already  on  the  lines.  The 


190  LIFE  OF  \VASHINGTON.          [1779 

night  of  ths  15th  of  July  was  assigned  for  the  attack. 
The  works  were  strong,  and  could  be  approached  only 
by  a  narrow  passage  over  a  piece  of  marshy  ground, 
and  the  garrison  consisted  of  six  hundred  men.  About 
midnight  the  troops  moved  up  to  the  works  through  a 
heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry,  and  without  the 
discharge  of  a  single  gun,  carried  them  at  the  point 
of  the  bayonet.  The  Americans,  on  this  occasion,  dis- 
played their  usual  humanity  ;  they  put  not  an  indi- 
vidual to  the  sword  after  resistance  ceased. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  the  assault  was  inccm 
siderable,  compared  with  the  nature  of  the  service 
Their  killed  and  wounded  did  not  exceed  one  hundred 
men.  General  Wayne  received  a  wound  on  the  head, 
which,  for  a  short  time  stunned  him  ;  but  he  insisted 
upon  entering  the  fort,  which  by  the  support  of  hia 
aids  he  accomplished.  Sixty-three  of  the  garrison 
were  killed  and  sixty-eight  wounded,  and  five  hundred 
and  forty-three  made  prisoners.  Military  stores  to 
some  amount  were  found  in  the  fort. 

General  Howe  was  entrusted  with  the  execution  of 
the  design  against  Verplank ;  but  through  a  number 
of  unfortunate  incidents,  to  which  military  operations 
are  always  liable,  it  miscarried. 

Stony  Point  alone  did  not  give  the  Americans  the 
use  of  King's  ferry.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  immediately 
moved  up  the  North  river  with  a  large  force  to  recover 
the  post,  and  General  WASHINGTON,  not  thinking  it 
expedient  to  take  fiom  his  army  the  number  of  troops 
necessary  to  garrison  it,  destroyed  the  works  and  re- 
tired to  the  High  Lands.  General  Clinton  erected 
the  fort  anew,  with  superiour  fortifications,  and  placed 
a  respectable  garrison  in  it,  under  the  command  of  a 
Brigadier  General. 

Congress  embraced  this  occasion,  by  an  unanimous 
resolve,  to  thank  General  WASHINGTON  for  the  wis- 
jlom,  vigilance,  and  magnanimity,  with  which  he  con- 
ducted the  military  operations  of  the  nation,  ana  par 


177^.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  191 

ticularly  for  tlie  enterprise  upon  Stony  Point.  The* 
also  unanimously  voted  their  thanks  to-  Gcnera» 
Wayne  for  his  brave  and  joldier-like  attack,  and  pro 
senled  him  with  a  gold  medal  emblematical  of  the  ac- 
tion ;  and  they  highly  commended  the  coolness,,  disci- 
pline, and  persevering  bravery  of  the  officers  and  men 
in  the  spirited  assault. 

During  this  summer,  Spain  joined  France  in  the 
war  against  England.  General  WASHINGTON  expect- 
ing substantial  aid  from  these  powers,  and  unwilling 
to  waste  any  part  of  his  small  force  in  partial  actions, 
contented  himself  with  the  defence  of  the  country 
from  the  depredations  of  the  enemy,  that  he  might  be 
in  readinasn  with  the  greatest  possible  numbers,  to  co- 
operate with  the  allies  of  America  in  an  attack  upon 
the  British  posts.  But  the  fond  hcpe  of  effective  aid 
from  France  proved  delusive  ;  and  the  expectation 
that  the  war  would  this  season  terminate,  failed. 

Effectual  measures  wers^not  yet  adopted  by  Con- 
gress to  establish  a  permanent  army.  The  officers 
generally  remained  in  service,  but  a  great  proportion 
of  the  privates  were  annually  to  be  recruited.  By  the 
delays  of  the  general  and  state  governments,  the  re- 
cruits were  never  seasonably  brought  into  the  field. 
At  different  periods  they  joined  the  army ;  and  fre- 
quently men  totally  unacquainted  with  every  branch 
of  military  service,  were  introduced  in  the  most  criti- 
cal part  of  an  active  campaign. 

At  the  close  of  this  year,  General  WASHINGTON,  not 
discouraged  by  all  his  former  unavailing  endeavours, 
once  more  addressed  Congress  on  this  subject,  which 
he  deemed  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  unicn  In 
October  he  forwarded  to  that  body  a  minute  repc:t  of 
the  state  of  the  army,  by  which  it,  appeared,  that  be- 
tween that  time  and  the  last  of  June  the  next  year, 
the  time  of  service  of  one  half  the  privates  would  er 
pire. 

With  the  report  he  submitted  a  plan,  by  which  tru 


i9a  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [1770 

recruits  of  all  t)>e  states  were  to  be  raised  and  broughl 
to  head  quarters  by  the  middle  of  January  of  each 
year,  that  time  might  be  given  in  some  measure  to  dis 
cipline  them  before  the  campaign  opened. 

"  The  plan  I  would  propose,"  says  the  General  in 
the  address,  "is  that  each  state  be  informed  by  Con- 
gress annually  of  the  real  deficiency  of  its  troops,  and 
called  upon  to  make  it  up,  or  such  less  specifick 
number  as  Congress  may  think  proper,  by  a  draught. 
That  the  men  draughted  join  the  ariny  by  the  first  of 
January  the  succeeding  year.  That  from  the  time  tho 
draughts  join  the  army,  the  officers  of  the  states  from 
which  they  come,  be  authorized  and  directed  to  use 
their  endeavours  to  enlist  them  for  the  war,  under  the 
bounties  granted  to  the  officers  themselves  and  the  re- 
cruits, by  tTie  act  of  the  23d  of  January  last,  viz.  ten 
dollars  to  the  officer  for  each  recruit,  and  two  hundred 
to  the  recruits  themselves.  That  all  state,  county, 
and  town  bounties  to  draughts,  if  practicable,  be  eu- 
tirely  abolished,  on  account  of  the  uneasiness  and 
disorders  they  create  among  the  soldiery,  the  deser- 
tions they  produce,  and  for  other  reasons  which  will 
readily  occur.  That  on  or  before  the  first  of  October 
annually,  an  abstract,  or  return,  similar  to  the  present 
one,  be  transmitted  to  Congress,  to  enable  them  to 
make  their  requisitions  to  each  state  with  certainty 
and  precision.  This  I  would  propose  as  a  general  plan 
to  be  pursued  ;  and  I  im  persuaded  that  this  or  one 
nearly  similar  to  it,  will  be  found  the  best  now  in  our 
power,  as  it  will  be  attended  with  least  expense  to  the 
publick,  .will  place  the  service  on  the  footing  of  order 
and  certainty,  and  will  be  the  only  one  that  can  ad- 
vance the  general  interest  to  any  great  extent." 

This  j'ldicious  plan  was  never  carried  into  effect 
Congress  did  not  make  the  requisition  until  February 
and  the  states  were  not  called  upon  to  bring  their  re- 
cruits into  the  field  before  the  first  of  April.  Thirteen 
sovereign  states  exercising  their  respective  indepcnd 


I77t»l         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  19S 

er.t  authorities  to  form  a  federal  army,  were  always 
tardy  in  time  and  deficient  in  the  number  of  men. 

On  the  approach  of  the  inclement  season,  the  army 
again  built  themselves  huts  for  winter  quarters.  Posi 
tions  were  chosen  the  most  favourable  for  the  defence 
of  the  American  posts,  and  for  covering  the  country. 
The  army  was  formed  into  two  divisions.  One  of 
these  erected  huts  near  West  Point,  and  the  other  at 
Morristown  in  New-Jersey.  The  head  quarters  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  were  with  the  last  division. 

Great  distress  was  felt  this  winter  on  account  of  the 
deranged  state  of  the  American  finances.  General 
Green  and  Colonel  Wadsworth,  gentlemen  in  every 
respect  qualified  for  the  duties  of  their  respective  sta* 
tions,  were  yet  at  the  head  of  the  Quarter  Master 
and  Commissary  departments,  but  the  credit  of  the 
country  was  fallen,  they  had  not  the  means  to  make 
prompt  payment  for  articles  of  supply  ;  and  they  found 
it  impossible  to  lay  up  large  magazines  of  provisions, 
and  extremely  difficult  to  obtain  supplies  to  satisfy  the 
temporary  wants  of  the  army. 

The  evil  was  increased  by  a  new  arrangement  intro- 
duced by  Congress  into  the  Commissary  department. 
A  fixed  salary  in  the  depreciated  currency  of  the  coun- 
try was  given  to  the  Commissary  General,  and  he  was 
authorized  to  appoint  a  certain  number  of  deputies, 
whose  stipends  were  also  established,  and  to  whom  no 
emolument  of  office  was  allowed.  Deputies  compe- 
tent to  the  business  could  not  be  obtained  upon 
the  terms  established  by  Congress,  confusion  and  de- 
rangement ensued  through  the  whole  department,  and 
in  consequence  Colonel  Wadsworth  was  constrained 
to  resign  his  office. 

Before  the  month  of  January  expired,  the  soldiera 
tvere  put  upon  allowance,  and  before  its  close,  the 
tvhole  stock  of  provision  in  store  was  exhausted,  and 
there  was  neither  meat  nor  flour  to  be  distributed  tf 
the  troops.  To  prevent  the  dissolution  of  tho  army 

VOL  I  i" 


194  I IFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [173O 

the  Commander  in  Chief  was  reluctantly  driven  to 
very  vigorous  measures.  He  apportioned  upon  each 
county  in  the  state  of  New-Jersey  a  quantity  of  meat 
and  flour,  according  to  the  ability  of  each,  to  be 
brought  into  camp  in  the  course  of  six  days.  At  the 
s.v.iie  time  he  wrote  to  the  magistrates,  stating  the  ab- 
solute necessity  of  the  measure,  and  informing  them, 
that  unless  the  inhabitants  voluntarily  complied  with 
the  requisition,  the  exigency  of  the  case  would  force 
him  ^p  obtain  it  by  military  exaction.  To  the  honour 
of  the  inhabitants  of  New-Jersey,  harassed  as  their 
country  had  been,  the  full  quantity  of  provision  re 
quired  was  cheerfully  and  seasonably  afforded. 

To  Congress  General  WASHINGTON  expressed  his 
sense  of  the  heroick  patience  with  which  the  troops 
bore  the  privations  of  clothing  and  provisions  through 
this  winter  of  unusual  severity.  The  extent  of  these 
privations  will  be  seen  in  an  extract  of  a  letter  written 
by  the  Commander  in  Chief  to  his  friend  General 
Schuyler. 

"  Since  the  date  of  my  last  we  have  had  the  virtue 
and  patience  of  the  army  put  to  the  severest  trial. 
Sometimes  it  has  been  five  or  six  days  together  with- 
out bread  ;  at  other  times,  as  many  days  without  meat ; 
and  once  or  twice,  two  or  three  days,  without  either. 
I  hardly  thought  it  possible  at  .one  period,  that  we 
should  be  able  to  keep  it  together,  nor  could  it  hav*» 
been  done,  but  for  the  exertions  of  the  magistrates  in 
tho  several  counties  of  this  State,  on  whom  I  was 
obliged  to  call,  expose  our  situation  to  them,  and  in 
olain  terms  declare  that  we  were  reduced  to  the  alter- 
native of  disbanding  or  catering  for  ourselves,  unless 
the  inhabitants  would  afford  us  their  aid.  I  allotted  to 
each  county  a  certain  proportion  of  flour  or  grain,  and 
a  certain  number  of  cattle,  to  be  delivered  on  ecru  in 
days,  and  for  the  honour  of  the  magistrates,  and  good 
disposition  of  the  people,  I  must  add,  that  my  reqv  si- 
Uona  were  punctually  complied  with,  and  in  mi.  ay 


1780  ]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  195 

conntius  exceeded.  Nothing  but  this  great  exertion 
could  ha  ve  saved  the  army  from  dissolution  or  starving,, 
as  we  were  bereft  of  every  hope  from  the  commissa- 
ries. At  one  "time,  the  soldiers  eat  every  kind  of 
horse  food  but  hay.  Buck  wheat,  common  wheat, 
rye,  and  Indian  corn,  composed  the  meal  which 
made  their  bread.  As  an  army  they  bore  it  with  the 
most  heroick  patience  ;  but  sufferings  like  these  ac- 
companied with  the  want  of  clothes,  blankets,  &.c. 
will  produce  frequent  desertion  in  all  armies,  anjl  so  it 
happened  with  us,  though  it  did  not  excite  a  single 
mutiny." 

The  frost  of  this  winter  was  excessive.  For  six 
weeks  together,  the  waters  about  New- York  were 
covered  with  ice,  of  sufficient  thickness  to  admit  the 
passage  of  large  armies  with  wagons  and  the  heaviest 
pieces  of  artillery.  The  city,  of  consequence,  in 
many  places,  became  assailable.  The  vigilant  and  ac- 
tive mind  of  General  WASHINGTON,  with  mortification, 
saw  an  opportunity  to  attack  his  enemy  which  he  was 
unable  to  embrace.  The  British  force  in  New-York, 
in  numbers,  exceeded  his  own,  and  the  want  of  clothing 
and  provision  rendered  it  impossible  to  move  hi* 
troops  upon  an  extensive  enterprise.  An  attempt  I* 
•urprise  a  post  on  Staten  Island  failed. 


L.JFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

unonnt  of  Paper  Emission — Conj-esa  destitute  of  Mesng  to  sun- 
jiort  the  VVtr — Supplies  apportioned  upon  the  Slates — Exertion! 
of  the  Commander  in  Chief—  Mutiny  in  a  part  of  the  Army — 
The  British  make  an  Excursion  into  New-Jersey — The  Ameri- 
can Troops  bravely  resist  them — The  Court  of  France  promises 
a  Naval  and  Land  Armament  to  act  in  America — Preparation 
to  co-operate  with  it — A  French  Squadron  arrives  on  the  Ameri- 
rican  Coast — Count  Rochamheau  lands  at  Newport  with  five 
thousand  Men — The  American  and  French  Commanders  meet  at 
Hartford  to  settle  the  Plan  of  the  Campaign — The  Second  t)ivi- 
sion  of  the  French  Troops  fails-  General  Arnold  becomes  a 
Traitor — He  Corresponds  with  Major  Andre — Andre  comes  on 
Shore  at  West  Point — Attempts  to  return-to  New-York  by  land 
— He  is  taken  intu  Custody  by  three  Militia  Men — A  Board  of 
General  Officers  condemn  him — He  is  executed — Letter  of  Gene- 
ral Washington  on  tlTe  Stitn  of  tho  Army — Congress  adopts  a 
Military  Establish  :x;iit  for  the  War — The  Army  goes  ''v*o  »Vin- 
ter  Quarters. 

1780.  Two  bundled  millions  of  dollars  in  paper 
currency  wore  at  this  time  in  circulation,  upon  the 
credit  of  the  United  States.  Congress  had  the  pre- 
ceding year  solemnly  pledged  the  faith  of  government 
no.t  to  emit  more  than  this  sum.  The  National  Trea- 
sury was  empty.  The  requisitions  of  Congress  for 
money  by  taxes,  assessed  by  the  authority  of  the  States, 
were  slowly  complied  with,  and  the  supplies  of  money, 
in  this  way  obtained,  bore  no  proportion  to  the  ex- 
penses of  the  war. 

A  novel  state  of  things  was  in  consequence  intro- 
duced. Congress,  the  head  of  the  Nation,  had  no 
command  of  the  resources  of  the  country.  The  power 
cf  taxation,  and  of  every  coercive  measure  of  govern- 
ment, rested  with  the  State  Sovereignties.  The  only 
power  left  with  the  National  Council  was,  to  apportion 
supplies  of  provision  for  the  army,  as  well  as  recruiti 
of  men,  upon  the  several  States. 

The  military  establishment  f<  r  1780,  consisted  of 
thirty -five  thousand,  two  hui  idred  and  eleven  men  Nt 


J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  197 

portion  of  these  was  to  be  raised  by  the  authority  of 
Congress,  but  in  the  whole  transaction  an  absolute  de- 
pendence was  placed  on  the  agency  of  the  States.  Up- 
on the  States  also  spccifick  articles  of  provision,  spirits, 
and  forage,  were  apportioned  for  the  subsistence  of  the 
army.  Congress  gave  assurances  that  accurate  ac- 
counts should  be  kept,  and  resolved,  "  That  any  State 
which  shall  have  taken  the  necessary  measures  ibr  fur- 
nishing its  quota,  and  have  given  notice  thereof  to  Con- 
gress, shall  be  authorized  to  prohibit  at.y  Continental 
Quarter  Master,  or  Commissary  from  purchasing 
within  its  limits." 

General  WASHINGTON  greatly  lamented  the  neces 
sity  of  managing  the  war  by  State  authorities.  He 
freely  suggested  to  Congress  the  defects  of  their  sys- 
tem, defects  which  would  prevent  the  attainment  of 
competent  and  seasonable  supplies  for  the  troops 
The  estimate,  he  observed,  in  all  articles  was  below 
the  ordinary  demand,  the  time  of  reception  was  left  in 
a  vague  manner ;  and  no  provision  was  made  for  ex- 
traordinary exigencies.  No  means  were  adopted  to 
obtain  for  the  use  of  the  army  any  surplus  of  produce, 
which' a  particular  State  might  conveniently  supply, 
beyond  its  apportionment ;  but  a  State  under  this  pre- 
dicament was  authorized  to  prohibit  the  National  Com- 
missary from  purchasing  such  surplusage,  whatever 
might  be  the  publick  wants.  To  a  friend  in  Congress, 
he  in  a  private  letter  thus  freely  expressed  his  opinion. 

"  Certain  I  am,  that  unless  Congress  speaks  in  a 
Tnore  decisive  tone  ;  unless  they  are  vested  with  pow- 
ers by  the  several  States,  competent  to  the  great  pur- 
poses of  the  war,  or  assume  them  as  matter  of  right 
and  they,  and  the  States  respectively  act  with  more 
energy  than  they  hitherto  have  done  ;  that  our  cause 
is  lost.  We  can  no  longer  drudge  on  in  the  old  way. 
By  ill  timing  the  adoption  of  measures,  by  delays  in 
.he  execution  of  them,  or  bv  unwarrantable  j'salous'es, 
we  incur  enormous  expenses,  and  derive  no  benefit 


198  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [17tiO 

from  ti.em.  One  State  will  comply  with  a  requisition 
from  Congress,  another  neglects  to  do  it,  and  a  thiid 
rxecutes  it  by  halves  ;  and  all  differ  in  the  manner, 
the  matter,  or  BO  much  in  point  of  time,  that  we  are 
always  working  up  hill  ;  and,  while  such  a  system  as 
the  present  one,  or  rather  want  of  one  prevails,  we 
evei  shall  be  unable  to  apply  our  strength  or  resources 
to  airy  advantage. 

"  This,  my  dear  sir.  is  plain  language  to  a  member 
^of  Congress,  but  '.  is  the  language  of  truth  and 
friendship.  It  is  the  result  of  long  thinking,  close  ap- 
plication, and  strict  observation.  I  see  one  head  gra- 
dually changing  into  thirteen.  I  see  one  army  branch- 
ing into  thirteen  ;  and  instead  of  looking  up  to  Con- 
gress as  the  supreme  controlling  power  of  the  United 
States,  considering  themselves  as  dependent  on  their 
respective  States.  In  a  word,  I  see  the  power  of  Con 
gross  declining  too  fast  for  the  consequence  and  respect 
which  are  due  to  them  as  the  great  representative  body 
of  America,  and  am  fearful  of  the  consequences." 

Although  General  WASHINGTON  had  weighty  objec- 
tions to  the  plan  of  Congress,  he  exerted  himself  to 
cirry  it  into  effect.  His  personal  influence  was  great- 
«•-•  than  that  of  any  other  man  in  the  union,  and  this 
new  order  of  things  required  its  full  exercise.  He 
wrote  to  the  Executives  and  Legislatures  of  the  seve- 
ral States,  stating  the  critical  situation  of  publick 
affairs,  pointing  out  the  fatal  consequences  that  must 
ft.  \v  from  the  inattention  and  neglect  of  those  who 
aj  nc  possessed  the  power  of  coertion,and  urging  them 
by  all  the  motives  of  patriotism  and  self-interest  to 
comply  with  the  requisitions  of  Congress.  But  each 
of  the  States  felt  its  own  burdens,  and  was  dilatory  in 
its  efforts  to  promote  a  general  interest.  A  system, 
which  in  its  execution  required  the  conjoint  agency  of 
thirteen  Sovereignties,  was  too  complex  foi  the  prompt 
operations  of  a. military  body. 

la  the  course  of  tue  winter  forage  had  failed,  ind 


1780.]          LIFt    JF  WASHINGTON.  199 

many  of  the  horses  attached  to  the  army  had  died,  of 
were  rendered  unfit  for  use.  General  WASHINGTON 
therefore  struggled  with  almost  insuperable  difficulties 
in  supplying  the  army.  Ho  possessed  no  means  to 
transport  provisions  from  a  distance  but  by  impress- 
ment, and  to  this  painful  and  oppressive  mode,  he  was 
obliged  frequently  to  recur.  The  unbounded  confi- 
dence placed  in  his  patriotism,  wisdom,  and  prudence, 
enabled  him  to  carry  these  measures  into  effect,  amcng 
a  people  tenacious  of  individual  rights,  and  jealous  of 
JIP  encroachment  of  power. 

The  pay  of  the  officers  of  the  army  had  scarcely 
more  than  a  nominal  value.  They  were  unable  to 
support  the  appearance  of  gentlemen,  or  to  furnish 
themselves  with  the  conveniences  which  their  situa 
tion  required.  The  pride  essential  to  the  soldier  was 
deeply  wounded,  general  dissatisfaction  manifested  it- 
self, and  increased  the  perplexities  of  the  Commander 
in  Chief.  The  officers  of  whole  lines  belonging  to 
some  of  the  States  in  a  body,  gave  notice  that  on  a 
certain  day,  they  should  resign  their  commissions,  un- 
less provision  was  made  for  their  honourable  support. 
The  animated  representation  of  the  danger  of  this  rash 
measure  to  that  country  in  whose  service  they  had 
heroically  suffered,  induced  them  to  proffer  their  ser- 
vices as  volunteers  Uiitil  their  successors  should  bo 
appointed.  This,  their  General  without  hesitation  re 
jected,  an?  the  officers  reluctantly  consented  to  re- 
main in  the  army. 

A  statement  of  the  great  difficulties  which  the  Gene 
ral  encountered,  led  Congress  to  depute  a  Committee 
of  their  body  to  camp,  to  consult  with  him  upon  mea- 
sures necessary  to  be  adopted  to  remove  the  grievan- 
ces of  the  army.  This  Committee  reported,  "  That 
the  army  was  in  paid  for  five  months  :  that  it  seldom 
had  more  than  six  days  provision  in  advance,  and  was 
on  several  occasions  for  several  successive  days,  with- 
out meat ;  that  the  army  was  destitute  of  forage  ;  that 


200  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

the  medical  department  had  neither  susrar,  tea,  choco- 
late, wine,  or  spirituous  liquors  of-*ny  kind  ;  '.hat  every 
department  of  the  army  was  without  money,  and  had 
not  even  the  shadow  of  credit  left  ;  that  the  patience 
of  the  soldiers,  borne  down  by  the  pressure  of  compli- 
cated sufferings,  was  on  the  point  of  being  exhausted." 

Congress  possessed  not.  the  means  to  apply  adequate 
remedies  to  these  threatening  evils.  They  passed  a 
resolution,  which  was  all  they  could  do,  "That  Con- 
gress will  make  good  to  the  line  of  the  army,  and  to 
the  independent  corps  thereof,  the  deficiencies  of  their 
original  pay,  which  had  been  occasioned  by  the  depre- 
ciation of  the  continental  currency ;  and  that  money 
or  other  articles  heretofore  received,  should  be  consi- 
dered as  advanced  on  account,  to  be  comprehended  in 
the  settlement  finally  to  be  made."  This  resolution 
was  published  in  general  orders,  and  produced  a  good 
effect ;  but  did  not  remove  the  complaints  of  officers 
or  men.  The  promise  of  future  compensation  from  a 
country,  whose  neglect  was  conceived  to  be  the  source 
of  ail  their  sufferings,  they  deemed  a.  feeble  basis  of  de- 
pendence, at  the  moment  they  were  severely  pressed 
by  privations  of  every  kind. 

Murmurs  at  length  broke  out  into  actual 
MARCH  "25.  mutiny.  Two  of  tho  Connecticut  regi- 
ments paraded  under  arms  announcing  the 
intention  to  return  home,  or  by  their  arms  to  obtain 
subsistence.  The  other  regiments  from  Connecticut 
although  they  did  not  join  in  the  revolt,  exhib  ted  no 
inclination  to  aid  in  suppressing  the  mutineers  nut  by 
the  -spirited  and  prudent  exertions  of  the  officers,  the 
ringleaders  were  secured,  and  the  regiments  brought 
back  to  their  duty. 

Tho  perplexities  of  a.^erieral,  who  commands  an 
army  in  this  situation,' are  not  to  be  described.  When 
the  officers  represented  to  the  soldiery  the  greatness 
of  the  cause  in  which  they  were  erga?ed,  and  stated 
the  late  resolution  'of  Congress  in  their  favour,  they 


1780.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  201 

answered,  that  for  five  months  they  had  received  no 
pay,  and  that  the  depreciated  state  of  the  currency 
would  render  their  pay  of  no  value  when  received ; 
they  wanted  present  relief,  and  not  promises  of  distan'. 
compensation  ;  their  sufferings  were  too  great  to  be 
supported  ;  and  they  must  have  immediate  and  sub- 
stantial recompense  for  their  services.  To  the  com- 
plaints of  the  army  were  joined  murmurs  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  New-Jersey,  on  account  of  the  frequent  requi 
sitions  unavoidably  made  upon  them. 

These  disaftections  were  carried  to  New-York  with 
the  customary  exaggerations  of  rumour.  General 
Knyplviusen,  the  commanding  officer  at  that  post,  sup- 
posing the  American  citizens  and  soldi*  rs  ripe  for  re- 
volt, passed  over  into  New-Jersey  with  five  thousand 
men,  to  avail  himself  of  favourable  events, 
JUNE  6.  and  probably  with  the  in1  jntion  to  drive 
General  WASHINGTON  from  his  camp  at 
Morristown.  ,  He  took  the  road  to  Springfield,  and  the 
behaviour  of  the  Americans  soon  convinced  him,  he 
had  been  deceived  in  t.he  report  of  iheir  disaffected  and 
mutinous  disposition.  The  troops  detached  from  the 
army  to  oppose  his  progress,  fought  with  obstinata 
bravery  ;  and  the  inhabitants  seizing  their  arms  wit} 
alacrity,  emulated  the  spirit  and  persevering  courage 
of  the  regular  soldier.  The  enemy  finding  he  must 
encounter  serious  opposition,  halted  at.  Connecticut 
farms,  consigned  most  of  the  buildings  of  that  village 
to  the  flames,  and  then  retreated  to  Elizabeth  Point, 
opposite  to  Staten  Island. 

While  General  Knyphausen  lay  at  Elizabeth  Point, 
Sir  Henry  Clinton,  with  four  thousand  men,  returned 
from  the  conquest  of  Charleston,  South-Carolina,  and 
joined  him  at  that  place.  On  the  23d  of  June  Sir 
Henry  moved  by  different  routes,  five  thousand  in- 
fantry, and  a  large  body  of  cavalry,  with  twenty  pieces 
of  artillery,  Awards  Springfield.  General  WASHING 
CON  supposed  th^t  his  determined  object  was  the  da 


802  LIFE   OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

rtruction  of  the  American  camp  and  stores  at  Morris- 
town.  The  effective  force  at  this  time  under  his  im 
mediate  command  amounted  to  little  more  than  three 
thousand  men.  Not  being  able  to  contend  with  the 
enemy,  but  with  the  advantage  of  ground,  he  made  th« 
best  disposition  of  his  small  foice  to  defend  his  post, 
and  detached  General  Green  with  a  thousand  men  to 
guard  the  'defiles  ou  the  road,  and  particularly  to  dis 
pute  the  enemy's  passage  of  the  bridge  near  Spring 
field.  This  service  was  performed  with  great  military 
judgment,  and  with  the  spirit  and  efficacy  of  disci- 
plined courage.  When  overpowered  by  numbers,  Ge- 
neral Green  drew  up  his  brave  band  on  the  heights 
back  of 'Springfield.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  was  not  dis- 
posed to  attack  him  in  his  strong  position,  nor  to  en- 
counter the  danger  of  proceeding  to  Morri^town,  and 
leaving  Green  in  his  rear ;  he  therefore  relinquished 
tHe  object  of  his  expedition,  and,  burning  the  town  of 
Springfield,  returned  to  New-York. 

General  WASHINGTON  keenly  felt  this  insult  offered 
to  his  country,  and  was  deeply  mortified  at  his  inabili- 
ty to  repel  it.  In  a  letter  to  a  friend  he  observed, 
"  You  but  too  well  know,  and  will  regret  with  me  the 
cause  which  justifies  this  insulting  mano3uvre  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy.  It  deeply  affects  the  honour  of  the 
States,  a  vindication  of  which  could  not  be  attempted 
in  our  present  circumstances,  without  most  intimately 
hazarding  their  security  ;  at  least  so  far  as  it  may  de- 
pend on  the  security  of  the  army.  Their  character, 
their  interest,  their  all  that  is  dear,  call  upon  them,  in 
the  most  pressing  manner  to  place  the  army  immedi- 
ately on  a  respectable  footing." 

Late  in  the  spring  the  Marquis  La  Fayette  returned 
from  France  with  the  pleasing  intelligence  that  his 
government  had  resolved  to  assist  the  United  States, 
by  employing,  this  year,  a  respectable  land  and  naval 
force  in  America. 

This  grateful  information  re-animated  the  publick 


I780.J  LIFE  Ol  WASHINGTON.  i>U3 

mind,  and  gave  a  new  stimulus  to  the  agency  t>f  Con- 
gress, and  of  the  governments  of  the  several  states; 
that  preparation  might  be  made  to  co-operate  with  th.3 
French  armament  on  its  arrival. 

This  event  excited  anew  in  the  breast  of  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  the  mingled  emotions  of  ambition  and 
oatriotism.  His  country  having  solicited  foreign  aid, 
he  felt  the  disgrace  she  must  suffer,  should  the  allies 
tind  her  in  a  situation  not  to  second  their  friendly  as- 
sistance. He  anticipated  the  deep  wound  that  would 
be  inflicted  on  his  own  feelings,  should  the  French, 
Commanders  find  him  the  nominal  head  of  a  naked, 
destitute,  and  inefficient  army.  To  prevent  the  evila 
that  were  apprehended,  he  addressed  a  circular  letter 
to  the  governments  of  the  states,  urging  them  ta  ex- 
ertions proportionate  to  the  present  prospect  of  their 
country,  and  painting  to  their  view  the  picture  of  dis- 
honour and  ruin  that  must  arise  frcm  the  neglect  to 
improve  this  prosperous  tide  in  their  affairs. 

Vigorous  measures  were  in  consequence  adopted  by 
Congress  and  by  the  states  to  recruit  the  army,  to  lay 
up  magazines,  and  to  enable  their  General  to  com- 
ply with  the  reasonable  expectations  of  their  allies; 
but  the  agency  of  different  bodies  was  necessary  to 
carry  these  publick  measures  into  effect,  and  their 
operation  was  dilatory.  On  the  20th  of  June  General 
WASHINGTON  informed  Congress  that  the  army  was 
yet  destitute  of  many  essential  articles  of  clothing. 
"  For  the.  troops,"  lie  observed,  "  to  be  without 
clothing  at  anytime  is  highly  injurious  to  the  service, 
and  distressing  to  our  feelings  ;  but  the  want  will  be 
more  peculiarly  mortifying  when  they  come  to  act 
with  our  allies.  Tf  it  be  possible  I  have  no  doubt  im- 
mediate measures  will  be  taken  to  relieve  'their  dis- 
tresses. 

"  It  is  also  most  sincerely  to  be  wished  that  there 
would  be  some  supplies  of  clothing  furnished  to  the 
officers.  There  are  a  great  many  whose  condition  a 


201  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

•ti'l  miserable.     This  is,  in  some   instances,  the   case 
with  the  whole  lines  of  states      It  would  be  well   for  ' 
their  own  sakes,  and   for  the  publick"  good,   if  thev ' 
could  be  furnished.     They  will,  not  be  able,  when  our 
friends  come  to  co-operate  with  us,  to  go  on  a  common 
routii!3  of  duty  ;  and   if  they  should,  they  must,  from 
their  appearance,  be  held  in  low  estimation." 

Ir  the  nuar  prospect  of  the  arrival  oc  the  French 
Armaments,  the  embarrassments  of  General  WASHING- 
TON increased.  His  army  was  not  yet  in  a  situation 
io  co-operate  with  the  allies,  and  he  became  extreme- 
ly anxious  to  know  the  force  on  which  he  might  ab- 
solutely depend.  He  wished  to  attack  New-York  if 
the  means  were  in  his  power.  But  to  concert  an  at- 
tack upon  this  post  with  the  French  commanders,  and 
in  the  event  be  unable  to  execute  his  part  of  the  en- 
gagement, fie  knew  would  dishonour  the  American 
arms,  and  expose  the  French  marine  force  employed 
in  the  service,  to  destruction.  Should  prudence  forbid 
an  attempt  upon  New-York,  his  force  might  bo  com- 
petent to  assail  some  other  British  post,  and  it  was 
highly  expedient  that  the  plan  should  be  ripened,  and 
all  measures  prepared  for  immediate  action,  the  Mo- 
ment the  French  detachments  should  reach  the  conti- 
nent. The  anxiety  of  the  Commander  hi  Chief  on  this 
subject  was  disclosed  in  the  folio  wing  letter  to  Congress. 

"  The  season  is  come  when  we  have  every  rejison 
to  expect  the  arrival  of  the  fleet,  and  yet  for  want 
of  this  point  of  primary  consequence,  it  is  impos- 
sible for  me  to  form  a  system  of  co-operation.  I  have 
no  basis  to  act  upon ;  and  of  course,  were  this 
generous  succour  of  our  ally  now  to  arrive,  1  should 
find  myself  in  the  most  awkward,  embarrassing,  and 
painful  situation.  The  General,  and  the  Admiral, 
from  the  relation  in  which  I  stand,  as  soon  as  they  ap- 
proach our  coast,  will  require  of  me  a  plan  nf  the 
measures  to  be  pursued,  and  there  ought  of  right  to 
be  one  prepared  ;  but  circumstanced  as  I  am,  1  can- 


1760.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  20& 

not  even  give  them  conjectures.  From  these  con- 
siderations, I  have  suggested  to  the  Committee,  by  a 
letter  I  had  the  honour  of  addressing  them  yesterday, 
the  indispensable  necessity  of  their  writing  again  to 
the  states,  urging  them  to  give  immediate  and  precise 
information  of  the  measure  they  have  taken,  and  of 
the  result.  The  interest^of  the  states,  the  honour  and 
reputation  of  our  councils,  the  justice  and  gratitudedue 
to  our  allies,  all  require  that  I  should  without  delay 
be  enabled  to  ascertain,  and  inform  them  what  we  can 
or  cannot  undertake.  There  is  a  point  which  ought 
now  to  be  determined,  ori  the  success  of  which  all  our 
future  operations  may  depend,  on  which  for  want  of 
knowing  our  prospects,  I  can  make  no  decision,  for 
fear  of  involving  the  fleet  and  army  of  our  allies  in  cir- 
cumstances which  would  expose  them,  if  not  second- 
ed by  us,  to  material  inconvenience  and  hazard.  1 
shall  be  compelled  to  suspend  it,  and  the  delay  may  be 
fatal  to  our  hopes." 

Congress  had  assured  tho  French  Minister  thai 
they  would  bring  this  campaign  twenty-five  thousand 
men  into  the  field  ;  that  to  these  such  detachments  of 
militia  should  be  added  as  to  make  a  force  competent, 
when  supported  by  a  naval  armament,  to  attack  any 
of  the  British  posts.  They  had  also  engaged  to  lay 
up  magazines  of  provisions  adequate  to  the  demands 
of  the  armies  of  the  Uni>.dd  States,  and  of  any  divi- 
sion of  French  troops,  acting  in  concert  with  them. 
On  this  account  the  deficiencies  of  the  army  lay  with, 
the  more  galling  weight  upon  the  mind  of  General 
WASHINGTON. 

While  he  was  revolving  this  important  subject,  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  and  Admiral  Arbuthnot  returned  from 
South-Carolina  to  New- York,  whose  garrison  now 
consisted  of  eleven  thousand  regular  troops.  The 
prospect  of  successful  operations  against  this  post  was 
Vy  the  event  greatly  diminished.  In  the  absence  of 
the  British  armament  it  had  been  proposed  by  the 

VOL.  I.  18 


806  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I7,:0 

American  Comn.ander,  that  the  French  fleet  should, 
as  soon  as  it  reached  the  American  coast,  block  up  the 
harbour  of  New-York,  and  co-operate  with  the  army 
in  the  attack  upon  that  place.  But  in  this  change  of* 
circumstances,  he  conceived  it  adviseable  that  the 
French  squadron  should  enter  the  harbour  of  New- 
port, land  their  troops,  and  there  wait  until  a  plan  of 
joint  operation  should  be  formed. 

At  length  the  first  division  of  French 
JULY  10.  troops  reached  the  American  shorf,  consist- 
ing of  between  five  and  six  thousand  men, 
with  a  large  train  of  battering  and  field  artillery.  These 
forces  were  commanded  by  Count  de  Rochambeau, 
whose  government  had  placed  him  under  the  command 
of  General  WASHINT.TON.  The  Count  brought  infor- 
mation, that  a  second  division  would  follow  him  aa 
soon  as  transports  could  be  fitted  to  bring  them. 

The  principal  French  and  American  officers  assidu- 
ously cultivated  a  mutual  affection  between  the  two 
armies;  and  the  Commander  in  Chief  recommended 
to  the  officers  of  the  United  States  to  ingraft  on  the 
American  cockade,  a  while  relief,  as  an  emblem  of  the 
alliance  of  the  two  powers. 

At  the  arrival  of  the  French,  the  Americans  were 
unprepared  to  act  with  thepi,  nor  did  the  American 
General  know  what  force  would  ultimately  be  brought 
into  the  field.  But  it  became  necessary  for  him  to 
make  arrangements  with  the  French  commanders  for 
offensive  operations  against  the  enemy,  on  the  arrival 
of  the  reinforcements.  In  this  weighty  transaction, 
ho  consulted  the  honour  and  interest  of  the  United 
States,  rather  than  the  existing  condition  of  his  army. 
Confiding  in  the  successful  efforts  that  his  country- 
men would,  on  this  occasion  make,  he  communicated 
to  Count  de  Rochambeau,  his  intention  to  com/>ly 
With  the  engagements  into  which  Congress  had  enter- 
id  with  the  -Court  of  Versailles. 

The  solicitude  of  the  General  on  this  subject,  ap 


1780.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  20> 

pears  in  the  following  communication,  wlucfi  at  the 
time  he  made  to  the  President  of  Congress  "  Pressed 
on  all  sides  by  a  choice  of  difficulties,  in  a  moment 
which  required  decision,  '  have  adopted  that  line  of 
conduct  which  comported  with  the  dignity  and  faith 
of  Congress ;  the  reputation  of  these  States.,  and  the 
honour  of  our  arms.  I  have  sent  on  definitive  pro- 
posals of  co-operation  to  the  French  General  and  Ad- 
miral. Neither  the  period  of  the  season,  nor  a  re- 
gard to  decency  would  permit  delay.  The-  die  is 
cast :  and  it  remains  with  the  States,  either  to  fulfil 
their  engagements,  preserve  their  credit,  and  support 
their  independence,  or  to  involve  us  in  disgrace  and 
defeat.  Notwithstanding  the  failure  pointed  out  by 
the  Committee,  I  shall  proceed,  on  the  supposition 
that  they  will,  ultimately  consult  their  own  interest 
and  honour,  and  not  to  suffer  us  to  fail  for  the  want  of 
means  whu:h  it  is  evidently  in  their  power  to  afford. 
What  has  been  done,  and  is  doing  by  some  of  the 
States,  confirms  the  opinion  I  have  entertained  of  suf 
ficient  resources  in  the  country.  Of  the  disposition 
of  the  people  to  submit  tr  any  arrangements  for  bring- 
ing them  forth,  I  see  no  reasonable  ground  to  doubt. 
If  we  fail  for  the  want  of  proper  exertions  in  any  of 
the  governments,  I  trust  the  responsibility  will  fall 
where  it  ought  ;  and  that  I  shall  stand  justified  to 
Congress,  iny  country,  and  the  world." 

The  plan  of  joint  operation  was  formed  upon  the 
presumption,  that  the  French  would  maintain  a  naval 
superiority  in  the  American  sea.  But, soon  after  the 
arrival  of  the  French,  the  British  on  this  station,  were 
reinforced  by  a  squadron  superiour  to  that  which  con- 
voyed the  troops  of  His  Most  Christian  Majesty.  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  and  Admiral  Greaves  c6ntemplated  an 
attack  upon  the  French  in  their  new  station,  and  after 
great  delay,  six  thousand  troops  of  the  flower  of  their 
army  were  embarked,  and  supported  by  the  fleet,  sail- 
ed to  Huntingdon  Bay.  TCu*  the  commanders  her« 


208  LtFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

learning  the  improved  state  of  the  fortifications  at 
Newport,  laid  aside  the  expedition.  During  these 
movements,  General  WASHINGTON  collected  his  force 
and  crossed  the  North  River,  with  the  intention  to  at- 
tack New-York,  should  the  British  General  proceed 
in  his  attempt  against  the  French.  He  confidently  ex- 
pected in  this  case  to  establish  himself  in  some  com- 
manding position,  which  would  not  only  compel  Ge- 
neral Clinton  to  abandon  his  enterprise,  but  also  facili- 
tate the  Success  of  Jus  operations  against  the  city. 
Tne  return  of  Sir  Henry  induced  the  American  Ge- 
neral to  recross  into  New-Jersey,  and  to  post  his  army 
at  Orangetown.  To  expedite  the  meditated  operation 
against  New-York,  ho  also  took  possession  of  ground 
about  Dobb's  ferry,  ten  miles  above  King's  bridge,  and 
erected  works  to  command  the  river. 

The  offensive  measures  to  be  pursued  by  the  allies 
were  suspended  upon  the  event  of  the  French  naval 
force  in  America  being  reinforced.  General  WASH- 
INGTON exerted  himself  to  be  in  the  best  state  of  pre- 
paration, to  embrace  any  opportunity  that  might  pre- 
sent to  annoy  the  enemy. 

At  this  critical  moment,  Congress,  against  the  re 
monstrance  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  all  his 
General  Officers,  introduced  those  essential  changes 
in  the  Quarter  Master  General's  department,  which 
induced  General  Green  to  resign  the  office  of  Quarter 
Master.  Colonel  Pickering  was  appointed  his  succes- 
sor, who,  in  the  full  exercise  of  a  mind,  judicious,  ac- 
tive, and  indefatigable,  found  it  impossible  to  execute 
the  business  of  the  department  on  the  plan  of  Congress. 

The  stores  of  the  Commissary  failing,  General 
WASHINGTON  was  obliged  to  open  and  exhaust  the 
magazines  of  West  Point,  and  to  forage  upon  the  al 
ready  distressed  inhabitants  of  the  country,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  his  camp.  These  deficiencies  at 
the  moment  that  brilliant  achievements  were  general- 
ly expected,  gave  a  presage  of  disappointment. 


1780.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  a09 

The  socond  French  armament  was  daily  expected, 
h.nd  General  WASHINGTON  had  ordered  a  large  body 
of  militia  into  the  field  ;  but  the  difficulty  of  procur- 
ing subsistence  led  him  to  countermand  the  order  for 
their  march  to  camp,  although  their  aid  would  be  es- 
eential  in  the  event  of  active  operations. 

The  American  and  French  Commandera 

SEPT.  21.    met  at  Hartford  to   complete  the  general 

system  of  subsequent  operations,  and  they 

•greed  to  direct  their  offensive  measures  against  the 

British  post  in  New- York. 

While  expectations  of  immediate  and  effectual  aid 
from  France  were  entertained  thr  jugh  the  United 
States,  information  was  brought,  that  the  second 
armament  destined  for  America  was  blocked  up  in  the 
harbour  of  Bresif  and  would  not  this  season  reach  the 
American  Continent.  The  flattering  prospect  of  ter- 
minating the  war  by  the  conquest  of  the  British  posts 
in  a  moment  vanished  ;  and  elevated  views  of  brilliant 
success  were  succeeded  by  disappointment  and  cha- 
grin. General  WASHINGTON  himself  had  admitted 
the  persuasion,  that  the  campaign  would  end  in  a  de- 
cisive manner  ;  and  he  felt  the  deepest  mortification 
at  its  failure.  "  We  are,"  he  observed  in  a  letter  to  a 
friend,  "  now  drawing  to  a  close  an  inactive  campaign, 
the  beginning  of  which  appeared  pregnant  with  events 
of  a  very  favourable  complexion.  I  hoped,  but  I  hoped 
in  vain, that  a  prospect  was  opening  which  would  enable 
me  to  fix  a  period  to  my  military  pursuits,  and  restore 
me  to  domestick  life  The  favourable  disposition  >f 
Spain,  the  promised  succour  from  France,  the  com 
biued  force  in  the  West  Indies,  ths  declaration  ol 
Russia,  (acceded  to  by  other  powers  of  Europe,  hu 
nuiating  to  the  naval  pride  and  power  of  Great  Bri- 
tain) the  superiority  of  France  and  Spain  by  sea  in 
Europe,  the  Irish  claims  and  Eng'ish  disturbances, 
formed  in  the  aggregate,  an  opinion  in  my  breast 
which  is  not  very  susceptible  of  peaceful  dreams,  that 


810  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1760 

the  hour  of  deliverance  was  not  far  distant :  for  tha\ 
however  unwilling  Great  Britain  might  be  to  yield  the 
point,  it  would  not  be  in  her  power  to  continue  the 
contest  But  alas  !  These  prospects,  flattering  as  they 
were,  have  proved  delusory  ;  and  I  see  nothing  before 
us  but  accumu'ating  distress.  We  have  been  half  ot 
our  .time  without  provisions,  and  are  likely  to  continue 
»o.  We  have  no  magazines,  nor  money  to  form  them. 
We  have  lived  upon  expedients,  until  we  can  live  no 
onger.  In  a  word,  the  history  of  the  war  is  a  histo 
ry  of  false  hopes  and  temporary  devices,  instead  of 
system  and.  economy.  It  is  in  vain,  however,  to  look 
back,  nor  is  it  our  business  to  do  so  Our  case  is  not 
desperate,  if  virtue  exists  in  the  people,  and  there  is 
wisdom  among  our  rulers.  But  to  suppose  that  this 
great  revolution  can  be  accomplished  by  a  temporary 
army  ;  that  this  army  will  be  subsisted  by  state  sup- 
plies, and  that  taxation  alone  is  adequate  to  our  wants, 
is  in  my  opinion  absurd,  and  as  unreasonable  as  to  ex 
pcct  an  inversion  of  the  order  of  nature  to  accommo- 
date itself  to  our  views.  If  it  were  necessary,  it 
would  be  easily  proved  to  any  person  of  a  moderate 
understanding,  that  an  annual  army,  or  any  army 
raised  on  the  spur  of  the  occasion,  besides  being  un- 
qualified for  the  end  designed,  is,  in  various  ways,, 
which  could  be  enumerated,  ten  times  more  expensive 
than  a  permanent  body  of  men  under  good  organiza 
tion  and  military  discipline ;  whicji  never  was,  nor 
ever  will  be  the  case  with  new  troops.  A  thousand 
arguments,  resulting  from  experience  and  the  nature 
cf  things  might  also  be  adduced  to  prove  that  the 
army,  if  it  is  to  depend  on  atate  supplies  must  disband 
or  starve  ;  and  that  taxation  alone,  (especially  at  tail 
late  hour)  cannot  furnish  the  means  to  carry  on  the 
war.  Is  it  not  time  to  retract  from  errour,  and  bene- 
fit from  experience  ?  or  do  we  want  further  proof  of 
the  ruinous  system,  we  have  pertinaciously  adhered 


1780.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  211 

At  the  time,  the  country  was  exhausting  its  re- 
sources, and  Genera]  WASHINGTON,  under  innumera- 
ble embarrassments  exerting  every  power  to  obtain  an 
honourable  peace,  treason  entered  the  strong  hold  ot 
independence,  and  planned  the  destruction  of  the  in- 
fant states  of  America.  General  Arnold  early  ard 
warmly  embraced  the  American  cause.  His  enter- 
prising spirit,  his  invincible  fortitude,  his  heroick  and 
persevering  ardour  in  battle,  had  ejcalted  his  mili- 
tary character  in  his  own  country  and  in  Europe. 
Being  incapacitated  for  the  duties  of  the  field,  by  the 
wounds  he  received  before  Quebeck,  and  at  Saratoga, 
he  was  appointed  Commandant  in  Philadelphia,  when 
the  British  evacuated  that  city.  In  this  flattering 
command,  he  adopted  a  style  of  living  above  his 
means,  and  soon  found  himself  loaded  with  debt.  To 
relieve  himself  lie  entered  into  various  schemes  of 
speculation,  and  was  unsuccessful  in  all.  Hollow  at 
heart,  he  had  recourse  to  fraud  and  peculation.  These 
practices  rendered  him  odious  to  the  citizens, and  gave 
offence  t»  government.  At  length  formal  complaints 
were  lodged  against  him  ;  and  Congress  ordered  his 
trial  by  a  Court  Martial.  By  this  Court  he  was  found 
guilty,  and  sentenced  to  be  reprimanded  by  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief.  The  sentence  was  approved  by 
Congress,  and  carried  into  execution  by  General 
WASHINGTON.  In  the  gold  that  was  to  reward  his 
treason,  Arnold  expected  relief  from  his  pecuniary  em- 
barrassments ;  and  his  implacable  spirit  sought  its  re- 
venge of  his  country  by  betraying  into  the  hand  of 
her  enemy  the  post  that  had  been  called  the  G  ibraltar 
of  America. 

West  I'oint  was  the  first  post  in  importance  within 
the  United  States.  Its  great  natural  strength  had  been 
increased  by  every  expense  and  labour  of  fortification ; 
and  it  was  an  object  on  which  General  WASHINOTO* 
perpetually  keri  his  eye.  This  fortress  Arnold  select- 
ed to  give  consequence  to  his  aposlacy.  liy  the  sor« 


212  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [178r> 

render  of  this  into  the  hands  of  the  British  commander 
he  expected  to  ensure  a  high  price  for  his  treason,  and, 
at  the  same  moment,  to  inflict  a  mortal  wound  upon 
his  country.  His  measures  were  artfully  adopted  to 
accomplish  his  perfidious  purpose.  He  obtained  a 
letter  forn  a  member  of  Congress  to  General  WASH- 
ism«  s,  recommending  him  to  the  command  of  this 
important  post.  He  induced  General  Schuyler  to 
mention  to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  his  desire  to  re 
join  the  army,  and  ,.is  inclination  to  do  garrison  du..y 

At  the  time  General  WASHINGTON  was  moving 
down  to  New- York,  when  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  em- 
barked a  large  body  of  troops,  with  the  design  to  attack 
the  French  at  Newport,  he  offered  the  command  of 
the  left  wing  of  the  army  to  General  Arnold,  who  de- 
clined on  the  plea  that  his  wound  unfitted  him  for  the 
active  duties  of  the  field  ;  but  he  intimated  a  desire  to 
command  at  West  Point.  Knowing  his  amb=tion  for 
military  fame,  the  General  was  surprised  that  Arnold 
declined  this  favourable  opportunity  to  distinguish 
himself;  but  the  purity  of  his  own  mind  forbade  him 
to  suspect  an  officer  of  treason,  whose  blood  had  been 
freely  shed  in  the  cause  of  his  country,  and  he  grati- 
fied him  with  the  solicited  command. 

Under  fictitious  names,  and  in  the  disguise  of  mer- 
cantile business,  Arnold  had  already  opened  a  corre- 
spondence with  Sir  Henry  Clinton  through  Major 
Andre,  Adjutant  General  of  the  British  arrny.  To 
him  the  British  General  committed  the  maturing  of 
Arnold's  treason,  and  to  facilitate  measures  for  its  exe- 
cution, the  Vulture  sloop  of  war  conveyed  him  up  the 
Nori'.i  river.  Under  a  pass  for  John  Anderson,  Andr£ 
came  on  shore  in  the  night,  and  had  a  personal  inter- 
view with  Arnold  without  the  American  works.  The 
morning  opened  upon  them  before  their  business  was 
accomplished.  Arnold  told  Andre  that  his  return  on 
board  the  Vulture  by  daylight  was  impracticable,  and 
that  he  must  be  concealed  until  *Ue  n  ixt  night.  Fol 


1780.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  215 

this  purpose  lie  was  conducted  within  an  American 
post,  and  spent  the  day  with  Arnold.  In  the  course  ot 
the  day  a  gun  was  brought  to  bear  on  the  Vulture, 
which  obliged  her  to  shift  her  station  ;  and  at  night 
the  boatmen  on  this  account  refused  to  carry  Andr6 
on  board  the  sloop. 

The  return  to  New -York  by  land,  was  the  only  il- 
ternative  left.  To  render  the  attempt  the  more  safe, 
Major  Andre  laid  aside  his  uniform,  which  he  had  yet 
worn  under  a  surtout,  and  in  a  plain  coat,  on  horse- 
back, began  his  journey.  He  was  furnished  with  a 
passport  signed  by  Arnold,  in  which  permission  was 
granted  to  John  Anderson  "  to  go  to  the  lines  of  White 
Plains,  or  lower  if  he  thought  proper,  he  being  on 
publick  service."  Alone,  and  without  having  excited 
suspicion,  he  passed  the  American  guards,  and  was 
silently  congratulating  himself  that  he  had  passed  all 
danger,  when  his  imaginary  security  was  disturbed  by 
three  militia  men,  who  were  scouring  the  country  be- 
tween the  outposts  of  the  hostile  armies.  They  sud 
dealy  seized  the  bridle  of  his  horse,  and  challenged 
his  business  in  that  place.  The  surprise  of  the  mo- 
ment put  him  off  his  guard,  and  instead  of  showing 
his  pass,  he  hastily  asked  the  men,  "  where  do  you  be- 
long?" they  answered, "to  below," meaning  New-York. 
The  Major  instantly  replied,  "  so  do  I."  He  declared 
himself  to  be  a  British  officer,  and  pressed  for  permis- 
sion to  proceed  on  the  urgent  business  on  which  he 
was  employed. 

The  mistake  was  soon  apparent,  and  he  offered  the 
men  a  purse  of  gold  a«d  a  valuable  gold  watch,  for 
permission  to  pass  ;  and  on  condition  that  they  would 
accompany  him  to  the  city,  he  promised  them  present 
reward  and  future  promotion.  But  the  patriotism  of 
these  yeomen  could  not  be  bribed. 

They  proceeded  to  search  Andre,  and  found  secreted 
in  hia  ooots,  in  the  hand  v  nting  of  Arnold,  exact  re- 
turns  of  the  state  of  the  forceb,  ordnance,  and  defence* 


214  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  R780 

of  West  Point,  with  critical  remarks  on  the  works,  and 
ether  important  papers.  They  conducted  their  prison- 
er to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jameson,  who  commanded 
the  troops  on  the  lines.  Their  names  were  John 
Paulding,  David  Williams,  and  Isaac  Van  Vert.  Con 
gress  eventually  settled  on  each  of  them  an  annual 
pension  of  two  hundred  dollars  daring  life  ;  and  pre- 
sented each  with  a  silver  med.tl,  on  one  side  of  which 
was  a  shield  with  the  i?iscription  "  Fidelity  ;'  and  on 
the  other  the  motto  "  Amor  Patrite." 

Andre-  still  passed  as  John  Anderson,  and  requested 
permission  to  write  to  General  Arnold  to  inform  him 
that  Anderson  was  detained.  The  Colonel  thought- 
lessly permitted  the  letter  to  be  sent.  Colonel  Jame- 
son forwarded  to  General  WASHINGTON  the  papers 
found  on  the  prisoner,  and  a  statement  of  the  manner 
in  which  he  was  taken.  The  General  was  then  on 
his  return  from  Hartford,  and  the  express  unfortunately 
took  a  road  different  from  that  on  which  he  was  tra- 
velling, and  passed  him  This  occasioned  so  great  loss 
of  time,  that  Arnold  having  received  Andre's  letter, 
made  his  escape  on  board  the  Vulture,  before  the  or- 
der for  his  iirr«'Lst  arrived  at  West  Point. 

As  soon  as  Andre  thought  that  time  had  been  given 
for  Arnold  to  make  his  escape,  he  threw  off  the  dis- 
guise which  was  abhorrent  to  his  nature,  and  assumed 
his  appropriate  character  of  ingenuousness  and  honour. 
The  express  which  conveyed  the  intelligence  of  his 
capture,  was  charged  with  a  letter  from  him  to  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTON,  in  which,  he  declared  )  is  tame 
and  rank,  stated  that  he  had,  by  order  of  his  General, 
Sir  Henry  Clinton,  corresponded  with  Arnold,  that 
his  intention  was  to  have  met  him  on  neutral  ground, 
and  that  against  his  stipulation  he  had  b  -»,n  brought 
within  an  American  post.  Attempting  tu  make  his 
escape  from  it  he  had  been  betrayed  into  the  vile  con- 
d  lion  of  an  enemy  in  disguise,  and  he  requested  that 
i  his  fate  might  be,  a  decency  of  treatment 


1780.)  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  215 

might  be  observed,  which  would  mark,  that  though 
unfortunate  he  was  branded  with  nothing  that  was  dis- 
honourable, and  that  lie  was  involuntarily  an  impostor. 
The  decorous  and  manly  deportment  of  Andre  greatly 
interested  in  his  favour  the  American  army  and  nation. 
He  was  endowed  with  properties  to  conciliate  general 
esteem.  His  character  is  thus  beautifully  painted  by 
tho  late  General  Hamilton,  who  without  envy  might 
have  contemplated  his  eminent  qualities,  for  they  were 
not  equal  to  his  own.  "  There  was  something  singu- 
larly interesting  in  the  character  of  Andre.  To  an  ex- 
cellent understanding,  well  improved  by  education  and 
travel,  he  united  a  peculiar  elegance  of  mind  and  man- 
ners, and  the  advantages  of  a  pleasing  person.  It  is 
said  that  he  possessed  a  pretty  taste  for  the  fine  arts, 
and  had  himself  attained  some  proficiency  in  poetry, 
musick,  and  painting.  His  knowledge  appeared  with- 
out oste.itation,  and  embellished  by  a  diffidence  that 
rarely  accompanies  so  many  talents  and  accomplish- 
ments, which  left  you  to  suppose  more  than  appeared. 
His  sentiments  were  elevated  and  inspired  esteem, 
they  had  a  softness  tint  conciliated  affection.  His  elo 
cution  was  handsome,  his  address  easy,  polite,  and  in- 
sinuating. By  his  merit  he  had  acquired  the  unlimited 
confidence  of  his  General,  and  ws  making  rapid  pro- 
gress in  military  rank  and  reputation.  But  in  the 
height  of  his  career,  flushed  with  new  hopes  from  the 
execution  of  a  project  the  most  beneficial  to  his  party 
that  could  bo  devised,  he  is  at  once  precipitated  fram 
the  summit  of  prosperity,  sees  all  the  expectations  of 
his  ambition  blasted,  and  himself  ru'ned.  Thcchaiac 
ter  I  have  given  of  him  is  drawn  partly  from  what  1 
saw  of  him  myself,  and  partly  from  information.  1  nm 
aware  that  a  man  of  real  merit  is  never  seea  in  so  fa- 
vourable a  light  as  through  the  medium  of  adversity. 
The  clouds  that  surround  him  are  so  many  shades  that 
set  off  his  good  qualities.  Misfortune  cuts  down  little 
vanities,  that  in  prosperous  times  serve  as  so  man* 


216  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

spots  in  his  virtues  ;  and  gives  a  tone  to  humanity  that 
makes  his  worth  more  amiable. 

"  His  spectators,  who  enjoy  a  happier  lot,  are  less 
prone  to  detract  from  it  through  envy  ;  and  are  much 
disposed  by  compassion/ to  give  the  credit  he  deserves, 
and  perhaps  even  to  magnify  it." 

General  WASHINGTON  referred  the  case  of  Major 
Andre  to  a  Board  of  fourteen  General  officers.  Of 
this  Board  General  Green  was  President,  and  the  fo- 
reign Generals  La  Fayette  and  Steuben  were  members. 
They  were  to  determine  in  what  character  he  was  to 
be  considered,  and  what  punishment  ought  to  be  in- 
flicted. This  Board  treated  their  prisoner  jvith  the  ut- 
most delicacy  and  tenderness.  They  desired  him  to 
answer  no  question  that  embarrassed  his  feelings, 
But,  concerned  only  for  his  honour,  he  frankly  con- 
fessed he  did  not  come  on  shore  under  the  sanction  of 
a  flag,  and  stated  so  fully  all  facts  respecting  himself, 
that  it  became  unnecessary  to  examine  a  single  wit- 
ness ;  but  he  cautiously  guarded  against  communica- 
tions which  would  involve  the  guilt  of  others. 

The  Board  reported  the  important  facts  in  the  case, 
and  gave  it  as  their  opinion  that  Andre  was  a  Spy,  and 
that  agreeably  to  the  laws  and  usages  of  nations,  he 
ought  to  suffer  death.  His  execution  took  place  next 
day. 

Andre  was  reconciled  to  death,  bnt  not  to  the  mode 
of  dying,  which  the  laws  of  war  had  assigned  to  per- 
sons in  his  situation.  He  wished  to  die  as  a  soldier, 
not  as  a  criminal.  In  language,  which  proved  him 
possessed  of  the  nicest  feelings  of  heroism  and  honour, 
he  wrote  to  General  WASHISGTON,  soliciting  that  he 
might  not  die  on  a  gibbet :  hat  the  stern  maxims  of 
justice  foibarde  a  compliance  with  the  request,  although 
the  sensibility  of  the  General  was  wounded  by  a  refu 
«L 

Major  Andre  walked  with  composure  to  the  place 
•f  execution  between  two  American  officers.  When 


1780.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

he  beheld  the  instrument  of  nis  fate,  he  asked  with 
some  emotion,  "  must  I  die  in  this  manner  ?"  "  It  LJ 
unavoidable,'1  was  tlie  answer.  He  replied,"  I  am  it 
conciled  to  my  fate,  but  not  to  the  mode  ;"  but  imme 
diately  added,  "  it  will  be  but  a  momentary  pang.' 
With  a  countenance  of  serenity  and  magnanimitr 
which  mel'cd  the  heart  of  every  spectator,  he  mount 
ed  the  oart.  Being  asked  at  the  fatal  moment  if  h« 
wial  ed  to  say  any  thing,  only  that  "  you  will  witness 
to  t"'ie  world,  that  1  die  like  a  brave  man." 

Never,  perhaps,  did  an  execution  of  this  kind  more 
deeply  interest  the  finer  feelings  of  human  nature. 

The  General  officers,  who  reported  his  case,  lament- 
ed the  necessity  they  were  under  to  advise  that  as  a 
spy  he  should  be  hung  ;  and  the  heart  of  Genera] 
WASHINGTON  was  wrung  with  anguisn  when  he  sign- 
ed his  death  warrant.  But  the  fatal  wound  that  would 
have  been  inflicted  on  the  country,  had  Arnold's  trea- 
son succeeded,  made  the  sacrifice  necessary  for  the 
publick  safety.  The  American  officers  universally 
discovered  a  sympathy  for  the  unfortunate  sufferer, 
and  the  sensibility  of  the  puMick  was  greatly  excited 
on  the  occasion. 

Great,  but  unavailing  endeavours  had  beed  used  by 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  save  Major  Andre.  Even  Ar- 
nold had  the  presumption  to  write  a  threatening  letter 
to  General  WASHINGTON  on  the  subject.  The  Gene- 
ral deigned  not  to  answer  his  letter,  but  he  conveyed 
to  him  his  wife,  and  his  baggage.  The  merits  and  the 
fate  of  Andre  gave  a  darker  shade  to  the  bareness  and 
treachery  of  Arnold,  and  he  became  an  object  of  pub- 
lick  detestation  and  abhorrence.  "  Andre,"  observed 
General  WASHINGTON  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  "  lias  met 
his  fate  with  that  fortitude  which  was  to  be  expected 
from  an  accomplished  man  and  gallant  officer  ;  but  I 
am  mistaken  if  ul  this  time  Arnold  is  undergoing  the 
torments  of  a  mental  ho!l.  He  wants  foeling:  from 
«orne  traits  of  his  character,  which  have  lately  com* 

VOL.  1  W 


218  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

to  my  knowledge,  ne  seems  to  have  been  so  hackney* 
ed  in  crime,  so  lost  to  all  sense  of  honour  and  shtme, 
that  while  his  faculties  still  enable  him  to  continue  his 
sordid  pursuits,  there  will  be  no  time  for  remorse."* 

Arnold  published  at  New- York,  an  address  to  the 
inhabitants  of  America,  and  a  proclamation  to  tho  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  of  the  American  army.  In  these 
publications,  he  attempted  to  sow  the  seeds  of  disaffec- 
tion to  the  government  among  the  citizens,  and  u>  al- 
lure, ny  the  prospect  of  emolument  and  promotion, 
numbers  from  the  army  to  the  British  standard  ;  but 
these  publications  met  with  universal  indignation  and 
contempt.  During  the  whole  period  of  the  revolution- 
ary war,  the  infamous  Arnold  was  the  only  American 
officer  who  deserted  his  banners,  and  turned  his  sword 
against  tho  bosom  of  his  country. 

On  the  discovery  of  the  defection  of  Arnold,  Gen- 
eral WASHINGTON  strengthened  the  garrison  of  West 
Point,  and  moved  the  army  to  a  position  to  support  it, 
should  Sir  Henry  Clinton  make  an  attempt  to  carry 
the  post.  But  although  he  had  acquired  a  correct 
knowledge  of  its  works,  and  was  assisted  by  the  ad- 
vice of  Arnold,  he  was  not  inclined  to  hazard  the  as- 
sault unaided  by  plot  and  stratagem. 

The  state  of  the  army  lay  perpetually  upon  tho 
mind  of  the  Commander  in  Chief.  Not  wholly  dis 
couraged  by  former  unsuccessful  attempts  to  persuadw 
Congress  to  adopt  a  permanent  military  establishment, 
he  embraced  the  inactive  period  of  this  campaign 
once  mor^  to  address  that  honourable  body  on  thia 
important  subject. 

•*  Colonel  Hamilton  in  a  private  letter  to  a  friend  unfolded 
the  practices  to  which  General  WASHINGTON  here  alludes. 
"  This  man  (Arnold)  is  iu  every  sense  despicable.  In  addition 
to  the  scene  of  knavery  and  prostitution  during  his  command 
in  Philadelphia,  which  the  late  seizure  of  his  papers  has  un- 
folded, the  history  of  his  command  at  West  Point  is  a  history 
of  little  as  well  as  g-eat  villanies.  He  practised  every  dirty 
Brt  of  peculation  and  even  stooped  to  connexions  with  tie  sut- 
lers of  the  garrison  to  defraud  the  publick." 


1780.'  LIP'E  OF  WASHINGTON.  219 

His  letter  was  dated,as  early  as  August,  while  ex- 
erting himself  to  be  in  readiness  to  co-operate  with 
the  French  troops,  and  ho  observed, 

"But  while  we  are  meditating  offensive  operations 
which  may  either  not  be  undertaken  at  all,  or  being 
undertaken  may  fail,  I  am  persuaded  Congress  are  not 
inattentive  to  the  present  state  of  the  army,  and  will 
view  in  the  same  light  with  me  the  necessity  of  pro- 
viding in  time  against  a  period  (the  first  of  January) 
when  one  half  of  our  present  force  will  dissolve.  The 
shadow  of  an  army  that  will  remain,  will  have  every 
motive, except  mere  patriotism,  to  abnndon  the  service, 
without  the  hope,  which  has  hitherto  supported  them 
of  a  change  for  the  belter.  This  is  almost  extinguish- 
ed now,  and  certainiy  will  not  outlive  the  campaign, 
unless  it  finds  something  more  to  rest  upon.  This  is 
a  truth  of  which  every  opcctator  of  the  distress  of  the 
a/my  cannot  help  being  convinced.  Those  at  a  dis- 
tance may  speculate  differently  ;  but  on  the  spot  an 
opinion  to  the  contrary,  judging  human  nature  on  the 
usual  scale,  would  be  chimerical. 

"  The  honourable  the  Committee  of  Congress,  who 
have  seen  and  heard  for  themselves,  will  add  their  tes- 
timony to  miiifi;  and  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  Con- 
gress cannot  fail  to  give  it  the  most,  serious  attention. 
To  me  h,  will  appear  miraculous,  if  our  affairs  can 
maintain  themselves  much  longer  in  their  present 
train.  If  either  the  temper  or  resources  of  the  coun- 
try will  not  admit  of  an  alteration,  we  may  expect 
•oon  to  be  reduced  to  the  humiliating  condition  of 
Bcoing  the  cause  of  America,  in  America,  upheld  by 
foreign  arms.  The  generosity  of  our  allies  has  a 
claim  to  all  our  confidence,  and  all  our  gratitude;  but 
it  is  neither  for  the  honour  of  America,  nor  for  th» 
interest  of  the  common  cause,  to  leave  the  work  en- 
lirely  to  them." 

After  assigning  his  reasons  for  the  opinion  thai 
Great  Britain  would  continue  the  war  he  proceed*, 


820  LIFE  Of  WASHINGTON.  [1786 

•  "  Tlie  inference  from  these  reflections  is,  that  wt 
cannot  count  upon  a  speedy  end  to  the  war  ;  ami  thai 
it  is  the  true  policy  of  America  not  to  content  herself 
with  temporary  expedients,  but  to  endeavour,  if  possi- 
ble, to  give  consistency  and  validity  to  her  measures. 
An  essential  step  to  this  will  be  immediately  to  devise 
a  plan  and  put  it  in  execution,  for  providing  men  in 
I  me  to  replace  those  who  will  leave  us  at  the  end  of 
the  year,  and  for  subsisting  and  for  making  a  reasona- 
ble allowance  to  the  officers  and  s^ldicra. 

"  The  plan  for  this  purpose  ought  to  be  of  general 
operation,  and  such  as  will  execute  itself.  Experience 
has  shown  that  a  peremptory  draught  will  be  the  only 
effectual  one.  If  a  draught  for  the  war  or  for  three 
years  can  be  effected,  it  ought  to  Le  made  on  every  ac- 
count ;  a  shorter  period  than  a  year  is  inadmissible. 

"  To  one  who  has  been  witness  to  the  evils  brought 
upon  us  by  short,  enlistments,  the  system  appears  tc 
have  been  pernicious  beyond  description  ;  and  a  crowd 
of  raolives  present  themselves  to  dictate  a  change.  It 
may  easily  be  shown  that  all  the  misfortunes  we  have 
mot  with  in  the  military,  line  are  to  be  attributed  to 
this  cause. 

"  Had  we  formed  a  permanent  army  in  the  begin- 
ning, which,  by  the  continuance  of  the  same  men  in 
•ervice,  had  been  capable  of  discipline,  we  nevsr 
should  have  had  to  retreat  with  a  handful  of  mer  acrosa 
the  Delaware,  in  1?7<>,  trembling  for  the  state  of  Ame- 
rica, which  nothing  but  the  infatuation  of  the  enemy 
could  have  saved ;  we  should  riot  have  remained  all 
tno.  sucoet'din.ir  winter  at  their  merry,  with  sometime! 
tcarruly  a  sulricivnt  body  of  men  to  mount  the  ordi- 
nary guards,  liable  at  every  moment  to  be  dissipated; 
if  they  had  only  thought  proper  to  niareh  against  us  ; 
we  shoi.M  not  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  fight- 
ing at  Braadywim,  with  an  unequal  number  of  raw 
troops,  and  afterwards  o'  seeing  Philadelphia  fail  a 
orey  to  a  victorious  army  ;  we  should  n»t  have  been  at 


tftiU.]         LIFE  Or'  WASHINGTON.  221 

Valley  Forge  with  less  thaii  half  the  force  of  the  ene- 
my, dusiituif  of  every  thing,  in  a  situation  neither  to 
resist  nor  to  retire  ;  we  should  not  have  seen  New- 
York  left  with  a  handful  of  men,  yet  an  over-match  for 
the  main  urmy  of  these  states,  while  the  principal  part 
of  their  force  wan  detaciied  for  the  reduction  of  two 
of  them  ;  we  should  not  have  found  oiirseh  -js  thin 
rprmg  so  weak  as  to  be  iiiBulled  by  live  thousand  men, 
unable  to  protect  our  baggage  and  magazines,  their 
security  depending  on  a  good  countenance,  and  a  want 
of  enterprise  in  the  enemy  ;  we  should  not  have  been 
th«i  greatest  part  of  the  war  inferiour  to  the  enemy, 
indebted  for  our  safety  to  their  inactivity,  enduring 
frequently  the  mortification  of  seeing  inviting  oppor- 
tunities to  ruin  them,  pass  unimproved  for  want  ot  a 
force  which  the  country  was  completely  able  to  afford; 
to  see  the  country  ravaged,  our  towns  burnt,  the  in- 
habitants plundered,  abused,  murdered  with  impunity 
from  the  same  ca^jse. 

"  There  IB  ev  j-y  reason  to  believe  the  war  has  been 
protracted  on  this  account.  Our  opposition  being  less, 
made  the  successes  of  the  enemy  greater.  The  fluc- 
tuation of  the  army  kept  alive  the;;  hopes;  and  at 
every  period  of  the  dissolution  of  a  considerable  part 
of  it,  they  kave  flattered  themselves  with  some  du- 
cisive  advantages.  Had  we  kept  a  permanent  army  on 
foot,  the  enemy  could  have  had  nothing  to  hope  for, 
and  would,  in  all  probability,  have  listened  to  termi 
long  since.  If  the  army  is  left  in  its  present  situation, 
it  mustcontinuean  encouragement  to  the  efforts  of  tn« 
enemy  ;  if  it  is  put  in  a  respectable  one,  it  must  havo 
a  contrary  effect,  and  nothing  i  believe  will  tend  more 
to  give  us  peace  the  ensuing  winter.  It  will  be  an 
interesting  winter.  Many  circumstances  will  contri- 
bute to  a  negotiation.  An  army  on  foot,  not  only  for 
another  campaign,  but  for  many  campaigns,  would  Je- 
termine  the  enemy  to  pacifick  measures,  and  enable  in 
Vi  insist  upon  favourable*  terms  in  forcible  language. 


£22  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1780 

An  army  insignificant  in  numbers,  dissatisfied,  crum- 
bling to  pieces,  would  be  the  strongest  temptation  they 
eoulc.  have  to  try  the  experiment  a  little  longer.  It 
u  an  oid  maxim,  that  the  surest  way  to  make  a  good 
peace,  is  to  be  prepared  for  war." 

Congress  having  at  length  resolved  to  new  model 
the  army,  determined  upon  the  number  of  regiments 
of  infantry  and  cavalry,  which  shou'u  compose  theii 
military  establishment,  and  apportioned  upon  the  seve- 
ral states  their  respective  quotas.  The  states  were  re- 
quired to  raise  their  men  for  the  war,  and  to  have 
them  in  the  field  by  the  first  of  the  next  January : 
but  provision  was  made,  that  if  any  state  should  find 
it  impracticable  to  raise  its  quota  by  the  first  of  De- 
cember, this  state  might  supply  the  deficiency  by  men 
engaged  to  serve  for  a  perjod  not  short  of  one  year. 

This  arrangement  of  Congress  was  submr.ted  to 
the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  his  opinion  desired  upon 
it.  He  in  a  respectful  manner  stated  his  objections  to 
the  plan.  The  number  of  men  contemplated  was,  he 
conceived,  too  small,  and  he  proposed  that  tne  number 
of  privates  in  each  regiment  should  bo  increased.  In- 
stead of  distinct  regiments  of  cavalry,  he  recommend 
ed  Jegionary  corps,  that  the  horse  might  always  be 
•upported  by  the  infantry  attached  to  them.  He  de- 
plored the  necessity  of  a  dependence  on  state  agency 
to  recruit  and  support  the  army,  and  lamented  tk<< 
Congress  had  made  provision  for  the  deficiency  of  any 
•tato  to  procure  men  for  the  war,  to  be  supplied  by 
temporary  draughts ;  because,  he  conceived  that  the 
rtates  upon  the  urgent  requisition  of  Congress,  would 
have  brought  their  respective  quotas  into  the  field  for 
the  war  ;  but  the  provision  for  deficiency  being  made, 
their  exertions  would  be  weak,  and  tho  alternative 
generally  embraced.  He  warmly  recommended  ho- 
nourable provision  for  the  officers. 

The  repeated  remonstrances  of  General  WASHING- 
TON, supported  bv  the  chastisements  of  experience, 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  *» 

finally  induced  Congress  to  lay  aside  their  jealousy  of 
a  standing  army,  and  to  adopt  a  military  establish 
ment  for  tne  war. 

The  expected  superiority  of  the  French  at  sea  ft.il 
ing,  the  residue  of  the  campaign  passed  away  without 
any  remarkable  event.  The  hostile  armies  merely 
watched  each  other's  motions,  until  the  inclemency 
of  the  season  forced  them  into  winter  quarters.  The 
Pennsylvania  line  wintered  at  Morristown  ;  the  Jersey 
line  about  Pompton  on  the  confines  of  New-York  and 
New-Jersey  ;  and  the  troops  belonging  to  the  New- 
England  Si  ales  at  West  Point  and  its  vicinity,  on  both 
sides  of  the  North  river.  The  New- fork  line  had  prw 
viously  been  stationed  at  Albany,  to  oppose  any  inva 
•ion  that  might  be  made  from  Canada,  and  here  ft  re 
nained  through  the  winter. 


**»  or  *OLVI 


THH 

Ip 

LIFE  OF 

GEORGE    WASHINGTON, 


XH  CHIEF 

OF    THE 


THROUGH  TIIS  REVOLUTIONARY  WAR  ; 

AND  THE 

FIRST  PRESIDENT 

OF  THE 

UNITED    STATES. 


BY  AARON  BANCROFT   D.  D. 

f  iSTCR  OF  A  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH   IN   WCRCEST1 


TWO  VOLUMES  1IN  ONE. 


BOSTON: 

PHILLIPS,  SAMPSON,  AND  COMPANY 
1857. 


I 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Arnold  is  appointed  a  Brigadier  in  the  British  service, 
and  invades  Virginia  —  Plan  to  capture  him  —  Mutiny 
in  the  American  camp  —  Violence  of  the  Pennsylva- 
nia Line  —  Order  restored  —  Weak  state  of  the  Ar 
my  —  The  French  Court  grants  a  Loan  to  the  Unite* 
States  —  Exertion  of  the  States  to  enable  the  Gene 
ral  to  open  the  Campaign  —  The  French  Troops 
march  to  the  American  Camp  —  Plan  to  surprise  the 
British  Post  at  King's  Bridge  —  Expedition  to  Vir- 
ginia —  Count  de  Grasse  arrives  in  the  Chesapeake 
—  Yorktown  besieged  —  British  Redoubts  stormed  — 
The  British  make  a  Sortie  —  Lord  Cornwallis  at- 
tempts to  escape  —  He  capitulates  and  surrenders 
his  Posts  —  Indecisive  Action  between  the  French 
and  English  Fleets  —  Sir  Henry,  too  late,  embaiks 
his  Troops  for  Yorktown  —  Thanks  of  Congress  to 
the  American  and  French  Commanders,  and  to  the 
Army  —  General  St.  Clair  despatched  to  Carolina  — 
The  other  Corps  of  th«  Army  return  to  the  Neigh- 
bourhood of  New-  York,  and  go  into  Winter  Quar- 
ter* .............  7 

CHAPTER  IX. 

'reparations  for  another  Campaign  —  Sir  Guy  Carlo- 
ton  arrives  at  New-York,  and  announces  the  vote 
of  Parliament  to  acknowledge  American  Independ- 
ence —  Arrny  anxious  for  their  pay  —  Anonymout 


CONTENTS 

Address  exciting  them  to  a  Revolt — Gener 

INGTON  convenes  and  addresses  the  Officers — The*' 

resolutions — Preliminary  articles  of  peace  received 

— Cessation    of   Hostilities    proclaimed General 

WASHINGTON  addresses  a  Circular  Letter  to  the  EA-. 
ccutives  of  the  several  States — Army  disbanded — 
New  Levies  of  Pennsylvania  revolt — The  Com- 
mander in  Chief  enters  New- York — Takes  leaves  of 
his  Officers — Resigns  his  Commission  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  Congress — Retires  to  Mount  Vcrnon  26 

CHAPTER  X. 

% 

General  WASHINGTON  in  Retirement — His  Pursuits — 
Votes  of  Congress  and  of  the  Legislature  of  Vir 
ginia  respecting  him — His  Visitors  and  correspond- 
ents-— His  Plans  to  improve  the  Navigation  of  the 
Potornack  and  James'  Rivers — Declines  the  grant 
of  Virginia-  -His  Advice  to  the  Cincinnati — State 
of  Publick  Affairs — National  Convention — General 
WASHINGTON  its  President — Federal  Constitution 
recommended  and  adopted — General  WASHINGTON 
requested  to  consent  to  administer  the  Government 
—  lie  is  chosen  President  of  the  United  States — Seta 
out  for  the  Seat  of  Government — Attention  shown 
him  on  his  Journey — His  reception  at  New- York  56 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Inauguration  of  the  President — His  Address  to  Con- 
gress— Answers  of  the  two  Houses — The  Arrange- 
merits  of  his  Household — His  regulations  for  Visit- 
ors— The  Reasons  of  their  adoption — The  Relations 
of  the  United  States  **ith  Foreign  Poweis — Con 


CONTENTS.  •* 

giess  establishes  the  Departments  of  the  Govern 
ment — The  President  fills  them — He  visits  New- 
England — His  Reception — Addresses  to  him — His 
Answers — Negotiations  with  the  Indians — Treaty 
w'th  the  Creeks — War  with  the  Wabash  and  Mia- 
mis  Tribes — General  Harmar's  Expedition — St. 
Clair  defeated — General  Wayne  victorious  and 
makes  a  Treaty  with  them — Second  Session  of  Con- 
gress— Fiscal  Arrangements  of  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury — Indisposition  of  the  Piesident — He 
visits  Mount  Vernon — Meets  Congress  at  Philadel- 
phia— His  Tour  to  the  Southern  States — Second 
Congress — The  President  refuses  his  Signature  to 
the  Representative  Bill — Contemplates  retiring  to 
Private  Life — Consents  to  be  a  Candidate  for  the 
Second  Presidency  ---------  87 

CHAPTER  XII. 

General  WASHINGTON  re-elected  President — State  of 
Parties — Division  in  the  Cabinet — The  President 
endeavours  to  promote  union — Influence  of  the 
French  Revolution — Measures  to  secure  the  Neu- 
trality of  the  United  States  in  the  War  between 
France  ar<d  England — Mr.  Genet's  illegal  practices 
— He  insults  the  Government — The  Executive 
restricts  him — He  appeals  to  the  People — They 
support  the  Administration — The  President  deter- 
mines to  arrest  Genet — II ?  is  recalled — Negotia- 
tion vith  Britain — Insurrection  in  Pennsylvania 
-Dernocratick  Societies — British  Treaty — Com- 
munication between  the  French  Executive  and 
*he  Legislature  of  the  United  States — The  Prr« 
1  • 


vi  CONTENTS, 
dent  refuses  to  the  House  of  Representatives  th« 
Papers  respecting  Diplomatick  transactions — Hia 
interpositions  in  favour  of  the  Marquis  La  FayeU.8 
— Takes  the  Son  of  the  Marquis  under  his  Protec- 
tion and  Patronage  - -.  1_'5 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  President  calumniated — His  Letter  to  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son— Statement  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury — 
The  French  Directory's  attempt  to  control  the 
American  Government — Review  of  the  transactions 
with  France— The  President  declares  his  resolution 
to  retire  from  Puhlick  Life — Me".ts  Congress  for  the 
last  time — Describes  the  Letters  that  had  been 
forged — Attends  the  Inauguration  of  Mr.  Adams — 
Retires  to  Mount  Vernon — Threatening  attitude 
of  France — General  WASHINGTON  appointed  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  American  Forces — His  opi- 
nion of  Publick  measures — His  indisposition  and 
Death — Conclusion  -  -  -  -  -  -  186 


LIFE 


CfIA 


PTER  VIII. 


Arnold  is  appointed  a  Brigndier  in  the  British  Service  and  invades 
Virginii — Plan  to  capture  him — Mutiny  in  the  American  Camr 
—  Violence  of  the  Pennsylvania  Line — Onler  restored — Weak 
Plate  of  the  army — The  French  Court  grants  a  Loan  to  the  United 
Slates — Exertion  of  the  States  to  enable  the  Genera!  to  open  th* 
Campaign — The  French  Troops  march  to  the  American  Camp — 
Plan  to  surprise  the  Hritish  Postal  King's  Bridge — Expedition  to 
Virginia — Count  de  Grasso  arrives  in  the  Chesapeak — Yorktown 
besiegud — Hiitish  Redoubt  3  stormed — The  British  make  a  Sortie— 
Lord  Cornwallis  attempts  to  escajK) — He  capitulates  and  surren- 
'  ders  his  Posts — Indecisive  Action  between  the  French  and  English 
Fleets — S'ir  Henry,  too  late, embarks  his  Troops  for  Yorktown — 
Thanks  of  Congress  to  the  American  anil  French  ('on  >nandcra, 
and  to  the  Army — General  St..  Clair  despatched  toCtiroii.'.^ — The 
other  corps  of  the  Army  return  to  the  Neighbourhood  o.  New- 
York,  ami  go  into  Winter  Quarters. 

1781.  ARNOLD,  having  been  appointed  a  Brigadit 
General  in  the  British  army,  was  with  about  sixteen 
bundled  men  detached  to  invade  Virginia.  With  his 
armed  ships  he  sailed  up  James'  river,  and  at  Rich- 
mond and  other  places  destroyed  publick  and  private 
property  to  a  great  amount,  lie  at  length  indicated  a 
design  to  establish  a  permanent  post  at  Portsmouth. 

The  French  fleet  since  its  arrival  on  the  American 
coast  had  been  blocked  up  in  the  harbour  of  Newport,, 
and  the  land  forses  had  remained  inactive  in  that  town 
But  about  this  time  the  British  blockading  squadron 
Buffered  by  a  violent,  storm,  and  a  temporary  superiority 
was  given  to  the  French. 

General  WASHINGTON  thought  that  a  fair  opportu 


8  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I78i 

nity  presented  to  strike  a  decisive  blow  at  the  British 
detachment  in  Virginia,  and  to  obtain  the  person  of 
Arnold.  In  pursuance  of  this  scheme,  the  General 
detached  the  Marquis  La  Fayette  to  Virginia  with 
twelve  hundred  of  the  American  infant!  y  :  at  the  same 
timo  he  requested  the  co-operation  of  the  French  from 
Rhodw  Island.  The  commanding  oflicers  gladly  em- 
braced tire  opportunity  to  engage  in  active  services, 
that  might  prove  advantageous  to  their  American  al- 
lies. 

On  the  death  of  Admiral  Ternay.  at  Newport,  the 
command  of  the  fleet  devolved  on  Destonches.  In 
compliance  with  the  request  of  General  WASHINGTON, 

he  sailed  with  his  whole  squadron  for   the 
MARCH  8.  ^,  ,      ,      . 

Chesapeak,    having    eleven    hundred    land 

troops  on  board.  The  British  Admiral  Arbutlmot  hav- 
ing repaired  the  damages  sustained  by  the  storm,  im- 
mediately followed  the  French,  and  on  the  2f>th  an 
action  took  place  between  the  two  hostile  fleets.  The 
battle  ended  without  loss  to  either  fleet,  but  the  fruits 
of  victory  were  on  the  side  of  the  English.  The  joint 
expedition  was  frustrated,  the  French  returned  to  New- 
port, and  Arnold  was  rescued  from  the  fate  which  he 
merited. 

The  winter  of  178 J  in  a  degree  renewed  the  privations 
and  sufferings  of  the  American  army.  The  men  were 
badly  clothed  and  scantily  fed  ;  and  they  had  served 
almost  a  year  without  pay.  "Without  murmuring  they 
long  endured  their  accumulated  distresses.  But  the 
foititude  of  the  firmest  men  maybe  worn  down.  Dis 
heartened  by  their  sufferings,  despairing  of  relief,  and 
dissatisfied,  that  their  country  did  not  make  more  ef- 
fectual exertions  for  their  support,  the  spirit  of  mutiny 
broke  out  with  alarming  appearances. 

The  Pennsylvania  line  stationed  at  Morristowri,  with 
the  exception  of  th'ee  regiments,  revolted.  On  a  con- 
certed signal,  the  hon-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates turned  out  with  thfiir  arms,  and  announced  the 


1781.1          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  9 

design  of  marching  to  the  seat  of  Congress,  there  to 
demand  a  redress  of  their  intolerable  grievances.  The 
mutiny  defied  opposition.  In  the  attempt  to  quell  it, 
»>ne  ctficer  was  killed,  and  several  dangerously  wound- 
ed. General  Wayne,  in  a  threatening  attitude,  drew 
hia  pistol,  the  mutineers  presented  their  bayonets  to 
his  breast  and  said,  "  General,  we  love  and  respect  you, 
but  if  you  lire,  you  are  a  dead  man.  We  are  not  going 
to  the  enorny,  on  the  contrary  if  they  were  now  to  come 
out,  vou  should  see  us  right  under  your  orders  with  as 
much  alacrity  as  ever  ;  but  we  will  no  longer  be  amus- 
ed, we  are  determirted  on  obtaining  what  is  our  jusl 
due."  Thirteen  hundred  of  them,  under  officers  of 
their  own  election,  marched  in  order  for  Princeton 
with  their  arms  and  six  field  pieces.  They  committed 
no  othir  act  of  violence,  than  to  demand  of  the  inha 
bitants  provisions  for  their  necessary  support. 

Congress  sent  a  Committee  of  their  own  body  to 
confer  with  them.  They  demanded,  the  redress  of 
their  grievances  as  the  basis  of  accommodation.  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  sent  out  agents  to  invite  them  to  his 
standard,  promising  them  more  advantageous  terms 
than  those  demanded  of  Congress.  They  with  indig 
nation  rejected  his  proposals,  and  delivered  over  his 
emissaries  to  General  Wayne,  who  hanged  them  as 
spies.  President  Reed  offered  the  mutineers  a  purse 
of  a  hundred  guineas  as  a  reward  for  the  surrender 
of  the  British  emissaries.  This  they  refused,  declaring 
that  "  what  they  had  done  was  only  a  duty  they  owed 
their  country,  and  they  neither  desired,  nor  would  re- 
ceive any  reward  but  the  approbation  of  that  country, 
for  which  they  had  so  often  fought  and  bled." 

The  Council  of  Pennsylvania  appoinfed  Mr.  Reed, 
their  President,  and  General  Potter,  a  Committee  to 
compromise  with  the  soldiery,  to  whom  the  gentlemen 
from  Congress  transferred  their  powers.  The  Com- 
mittee felt  themsolves  compelled  to  yield  more  to  the 
demands  of  these  soldiers  in  a  state  of  mutiny,  than 


10  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

would  have  retained  them  quietly  in  their  ranks,  had 
the  government  of  Pennsylvania  seasonably  attended 
to  their  pressing  wants.  Most  ot'  the  artillerists,  and 
many  of  the  infantry  were  discharged,  because  their 
time  of  service  was  vaguely  expressed  in  the  orders 
under  which  they  had  enlisted.  The  residue  received 
furloughs  for  forty  days  ;  and  the  whole  line  was,  for 
this  period,  absolutely  dissolved. 

The  evil  did  not  rest  with  the  troops  of  Pennsylva- 
nia. Some  of  the  Jersey  brigade  at  Pompton  caught 
their  complaining  spirit,  and  imitated  their  mutinous 
example.  The  mutineers  were  mostly  foreigners,  and 
they  made  the  same  claims  upon  the  country,  which 
had  been  granted  to  the  Pennsylvania  line. 

The  former  instance  of  mutiny  had  taken  place  at  a 
distance  from  head  quarters,  and  General  WASHING- 
TON, upon  serious  deliberation,  haC  resolved,  not  to 
hazard  his  authority  as  Commander  in  Chief,  in  tho 
attempt  to  bring  t.he  revolters  to  order  by  the  influence 
of  his  personal  character  ;  but  to  leave  the  delicate 
transaction  with  the  civil  government  of  the  state , 
and  he  was  satisfied  with  the  result.  But  he  perceived 
the  importance  of  arresting  the  progress  of  a  spirit, 
which  threatened  the  dissolution  of  his  army.  Relying 
on  the  firmness  and  patriotism  of  the  New-England 
battalions,  which  were  composed  almost  exclusively 
of  native  Americans,  he  detei  mined  to  reduce  the 
Jersey  revollers  to  unconditional  subjection.  General 
Howe  was  detached  on  this  service,  which  he  .prompt- 
ly performed.  Two  or  three  of  the  ringleaders  were 
executed  on  the  spot,  and  complete  subordination  was 
restored  in  the  brigade. 

The  mutiny  was  suppressed,  but  causes  of  unoasi 
ness  remained,  and  these  were  not  confined  to  the 
army.  The  money  received  into  the  national  treasury 
from  taxes  imposed  by  state  authorities,  bore  no  pro- 
portion to  the  publick  expense.  The  magazines  were 
exhausted,  and  the  states  were  so  deficient  in  fur 


1781.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1 

nishing  provisions  for  the  army,  that  supplies  of  every 
description  were  of  necessity  obtained  by  impressment 
Publick  credit  being  gone,  the  certificates  of  property 
in  this  manner  taken,  were  considered  jjf  little  value, 
and  general  uneasiness  and  murmuring  ensued.  Those 
evils  threatened  the  destruction  of  the  army,  and  the 
loss  of  the  American  cause,  unless  a  vital  remedy  wa§ 
speedily  applied  to  the  publick  disease. 

The  Court  of  London  became  intimately  acquainted 
with  the  interiour  situation  of  the  United  States,  and 
in  consequence  entertained  sanguine  expectations  of  a 
complete  conquest  of  the  States  south  of  the  Hudson 
The  letters  of  Lord  George  Germaine  to  Sir  He\ry 
Clinton,  which  were  written  at  this  period,  urged  him 
in  the  strongest  language,  to  embrace  the  favourable 
opportunity  to  disperse  the  remnant  of  General  WASH- 
INGTON'S army,  and  to  push  his  conquest  of  the  revoked 
colonies. 

The  spring  of  1781  opened  a  gloomy  prospect  to  the 
Commander  in  Chief.  Congress  had  made  a  requi- 
sition upon  the  several  states  for  an  army  consisting 
of  thirty-seven  thousand  men.  In  May,  the  states, 
from  New-Jersey  to  New-Hampshire  inclusive,  had  not 
in  the  field  more  than  seven  thousand  infantry.  The 
men  were  generally  new  recruits,  and  time  had  not 
been  given  to  discipline  them.  The  cavalry  and  ar- 
tillery, at  no  period  during  the  ".ampaign,  amounted 
to  one  thousand  men.  Supplies  of  provisions  were 
greatly  deficient,  and  the  soldiers  were  almost  naked, 
the  clothing  for  the  arir.y,  expected  from  Europe,  not 
having  arrived.  The  Quarter  Master's  department 
had  neither  funds  nor  credit,  and  the  transportation  of 
stores  could  be  made  only  by  impressments,  aided  by 
a  military  force.  Measures  of  this  violent  naturo  ex- 
cited great  uneasiness  among  the  inhabitants  ;  and 
General  WASHINGTON  expected  that  actual  resistance 
would  be  made  to  them.  These  difficulties  had  been 
foreseen  by  the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  he  had  made 


12  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1781 

every  possible  exertion  to  obviate  them.  He  bad  re- 
peatedly made  known  the  urgent  wants  of  the  army 
to  Congress  and  to  the  states,  and  had  sent  officers  of 
the  greatest  influence  into  the  respective  governments 
to  enforce  his  statements. 

The  mind  of  General  WASHINGTON  sunk  not  under 
his  embarrassments.  He  had  fully  reflected  upon  the 
dangers  incident  to  his  situation,  and  his  resolution 
rose  to  meet  them.  While  pondering  upon  his  despe- 
rate prospects,  he  received  the  grateful  intelligence, 
that  the  government  of  France  had  loaned  the  United 
States  six  millions  of  livres,  a  part  of  which  sum  was 
advanced  in  arms  aitd  clothing  for  the  army  ;  and  a 
pait  paid  to  the  draughts  of  General  WASHINGTON. 
Information  was  also  given,  that  this  government  had 
resolved  to  employ  a  respectable  fleet  in  the  American 
seas  the  next  summer. 

The  plan  of  vigorous  operations  was  resumed,  and 
it 'vas  determined  by  General  WASHINGTON  and  the 
French  commanders,  that  New-York  should  be  the 
first  object  of  their  attack.  On  this  occasion  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  addressed  letters  to  the  Executives 
of  the  New-England  states,  and  of  New-Jersey,  ear- 
nestly calling  upon  them  to  rill  up  their  battalions,  and 
to  furnish  their  quotas  of  provision. 

The  near  prospect  of  terminating  the  war  animated 
these  States  to  unusual  exertions.  The  number  of 
men  indeed  fell  short  of  the  requisition  of  Congress  ; 
but  effectual  measures  were  adopted  to  supply  the 
army  with  provisions.  Under  the  system  of  state  re- 
quisition; meat,  spirit,  and  salt  were  drawn  from  New 
England.  A  convention  of  delegates  from  these  states 
met  at  Providence  and  adopted  a  system  of  monthly 
supplies,  through  the  campaign.  As  soon  as  this  plan 
could  be  carried  into  operation,  the  supplies  of  these 
articles  were  regular  and  competent. 

Requisitions  of  flour  were  made  from  New- York, 
New-Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania.  New-York  and  New 


f781.]  LIFE  OF  "WASHINGTON  13 

Jersey,  having  been  much  exhausted  by  the  depreda- 
tions of  the  enemy,  and  by  the  necessary  impressments 
of  the  American  army,  the  chief  dependence  for  this 
essential  article  was  placed  on  Pennsylvania.  The 
Legislature  of  the  state  was  not  vigorous  in  its  raea- 
sures,  and  a  scarcity  of  flour  was  apprehended. 

At  this  period,  Mr.  Robert  Morris'of  Philadelphia, 
a  member  of  Congress  from  that  state,  a  merchant  of 
much  intelligence  and  enterprise,  was  entrusted  with 
the  management  of  the  finances  of  the  United  States 
To  him  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania  transferred 
the  taxes  appropriated  to  furnish  the  requisitions  of 
Congress  upon  that  state ;  and  he  in  consequence 
contracted  to  supply  the  national  requisition.  By 
his'  personal  agency  and  credit,  he  established  tem- 
porary funds,  amply  supplied  the  army  with  flour,  and 
furnished  the  Quarter  Master  General  with  'he  means 
effectually  to  execute  the  duties  of  his  department 
Through  the  campaign  the  movements  of  the  array 
were  made  with  facility  and  expedition. 

In  June,  the  French  troops  inarched  from  Newport 
to  the  Head  Quarters  of  the  American  army.  As  they 
approached  the  North  river,  General  WASHINGTON  lai<J 
a  plan  to  surprise  the  British  works  at  King's  bridgo 
On  the  night  of  the  2d  of  July,  the  plan  was  to  be  car- 
ried into  execution.  At  this  time  it  was-  expected 
Count  Rochambeau  would  reach  the  scene  of- action, 
to  assist  in  maintaining  the  ground,  which  the  Ameri- 
cain  troops  might  gain.  To  secure  his  co-operation, 
the  Commander  in  Chief  sent  am  Aid  to  the  Count  re- 
questing him  to  direct  his  route  to  King's  bridge,  and 
to  regulate  hi?  march  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  at  that 
place  by  the  specified  time. 

To  mask  the  design,  and  to  give  a  reason  for  the 
movement  of  the  American  army,  which  miirht  not 
excite  the  suspicion  of  the  British  Commander,  Gene- 
rfcl  WASHINGTON,  in  orders  on  the  30th  of  June  mea- 
tioned  that  a  junction  with  the  French  troops  might 

V-JL.  II  2 


14  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [ITS* 

soon  be  expected.  He,  in  subsequent  orders,  gave  in- 
formation "  that  the  French  army  would  not  come  to 
that  ground,  and  as  the  General  was  desirous  of  show 
iiig  all  tlte  respect  in  his  power  to  those  generous  al 
lies,  who  were  hastening  with  the  zeal  of  friends,  and 
the  ardour  of  soldiers,  to  share  the  fatigues  and  dan- 
gers of  the  campaign,  he  proposed  to  receive  them  at 
some  other  more  convenient  place  ;  and  for  this  pur- 
pose would  march  the  whole  line  of  the  American  ar- 
my at  tltree  in  the  morning." 

General  Lincoln  was  appointed  to  command  the 
detachment,  which  was  to  assail  the  works  at  King's 
bridge,  and  on  the  niglit  of  the  1st  of  July,  he  embark- 
ed in  boats  at  Teller's  point,  and  with  mumed  oars 
passed  down  the  North  river,  undiscovered,  to  Dobb's 
ferry.  At  this  place  his  boats  and  his  men  were  con- 
cealed. He  reconnoitred  tlie  works  to  be  attacked, 
and  found  that  a  British  detachment  which  had  been 
some  time  in  New-Jersey,  had  returned,  and  .was  en- 
camped in  force  on  the  north  end  of  York  Island,  and 
that  an  armed  ship  was  in  such  a  manner,  stationed  in 
the  river,  as  to  render  it  impossible  for  the  American 
boats,  without  discovery,  to  approach  the  landing  place. 
The  attempt  upon  the  enemy  was  of  course  relinquish 
ed 

General  WASHINGTON  extended  his  orders  to  an  en 
terpri»),  to  bo  carried  into  effect,  should  the  attempt 
on  Kihg's  bridge  fail.  This  was  to  bear  off  a  corps  of 
emigrants  which,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  De- 
lancy,  was  posted  above  the  British.  The  execution 
of  tins  plan  was  left  principally  with  the  French,  and 
General  Lincoln  was  directed  to  take  a  position  that 
would  prevent  the  retreat  of  Delancy,  and  protect  the 
flanks  of  the  French  from  the  British  reinforcements 
from  the  Island.  But  the  French  troops  did  not  in 
season  reach  the  scene  of  action,  ind  this  scheme  also 
fai!sd.  At  day  light  a  sharp  skirmish  took  place  be- 
tween General  Lincoln  and  a  party  of  British  light 


1781.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  IP 

troops.  Thes^  retreated  to  York  Island  as  General 
WASHINGTON  approached,  who  had  moved  the  army 
to  support  his  detachments,  and  to  follow  up  any  ad 
vantage  they  might  gain.  On  the  sixth  of  July,  Count 
Rochambeau  joined  the  American  army  at  Dobb's 
ferry. 

Early  in  August  Connt  de  Barrass,  who  had  eajv 
ceeded  to  the  command  of  the  French  fleet  at  Rhode 
Island,  informed  General  WASHINGTON,  that  the  Count 
de  Grasse  was  to  have  sailed  from  the  West  Indies  the 
3d  of  that  month  for  the  Chesapeak,  with  twenty -five 
fthips  of  the  line,  and  three  thousand  land  troops. 

It  became  necessary  to  determine  absolut  sly  on  the 
plan  of  operation.  The  battalions  in  the  army,  under 
die  immediate  command  of  General  WASTUT>OTON  were 
not  full ;  it  was  known  that  the  garrison  at  New-York 
had  received  a  very  considerable  reinforcement ;  and 
the  French  marine  officers  appeared  not  ardent  in  the 
plan  to  attack  the  'harbour  of  this  city. 

For  these  considerations  General  WASHINGTON  de 
termined  to  relinquish  the  attempt  on  New-York,  and 
to  march  to  Virginia  to  lay  siege  to  the  post  of  Lord 
Cornwallis  at  Yorktown.  Having  resolved  on  this 
plan,  he  in  a  private  manner  adopted  measures  for  its 
execution. 

The  defence  of  West  Point  and  of  the  other  posts  on 
the  Hudson  was  committed  to  General  Heath,  and  a 
large  portion  of  the  troops  raised  in  the  Northern 
States  was  for  this  service  left  under  his  command. 
General  WASHINGTON  resolved  in  person  to  conduct 
the  Virginia  expedition.  The  troops  under  Count  Ro 
ehambeau,  and  strong  detachments  from  the  American 
army,  amounting  to  more  than  two  thousand  men,  and 
consisting  of  the  light  infantry,  Lamb's  artillery  and 
several  other  corps  were  destined  for  this  expedition. 
By  the  25th  of  August  the  whole  body,  American  and 
French,  had  crossed  the  North  river. 

An  intercepted  letter  of  Genera.  WASHINGTON'S,  in 


16  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1781 

which  he  communicated,  as  the  result  of  a  consulta- 
.  lion  with  U>e  French  commanders,  the  design  to  at 
tack  New-York,  had  excited  the  apprehensions  of  the 
British  General  for  the  safety  of  that  city.  This  ap 
prehension  was  kept  alive,  ami  th«  real  object  of  the 
Americans  concealed,  by  preparations  for  an  encamp- 
ment in  New-Jersey  opposite  to  Staten  Island,  by  the 
rout  of  tl*e  American  army,  and  other  appearances  in- 
dicating an  intention  to  besiege  Neiv-York  ;  and  the 
troops  had  passed  the  Delaware  out  of  reach  of  annoy- 
ance, before  Sir  Henry  suspected  their  destination. 
General  WASHINGTON  pressed  forward  with  the  ut- 
most expedition,  and  at  Cliester  he  received 
SEPT.  3.  the  important  intelligence,  tlvat  Count  de 
Grasse  had  arrived  with  his  fleet  in  the 
<Jhesapeak,  and  that  the  Marquis  St.  Simon  had,  with 
a  body  of  three  thousand  land  foreea,  joined  the  Mar- 
quis La  Fayette.  Having  directed  the  route  of  his  army 
from  the  head  of  Elk,  he,  accompanied  by  Rocham 
<">eau,  Chatelleux,  Du  Portail,  and  Knox,  proceeded  to 
Virginia.  They  reached  Williamsburg  the  14th  of 
September, and  immediately  repaired  on  board  the  Ville 
de  Paris,  to  settle  with  Count  de  Grasse  the  plan  of 
operation. 

The  Count  afterwards  wrote  General 
WASHINGTON,  that,  judging  his  confined 
situation  to  foe  unfavourable  for  a  naval  engagement, 
he  should  sail  to  meet  the  English  at  sea  or  to  block 
them  up  in  the  harbour  of'New-York.  General  WASH- 
INGTON apprehending  that  the  successful  issue  of  the 
expedition,  which  lie  had  conceived  morally  certain, 
miirht  by  this  measure  be  defeated,  sent  a  despatch  by 
the  Marquis  La  Fayette  to  the  Count,  to  dissuade  him 
from  it.  The  Count  consented  to  conform  himself  ta 
the  wishes  of  the  American  General,  and  remained  at 
anchor  in  the  bay  of  the  Chesapeak. 

The   whole    body  of  American  and  French  troops 
reached  Williansburg  by  the  26th  of  September      Af 


SEPT.  15. 


1781.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  17 

this  place  the  allied  forces  were  joined  by  a  dotach- 
Baent  of  the  militia  of  Virginia,  under  the  command 
of  Governour  Nelson.  Preparations  were  soon  made 
to  besiege  Yorktown. 

The  rivers,  York  and  James,  form  a  long  and  nar- 
row peninsula,  and  Lord  Cornwallis  had  chosen  a  po- 
sition on  the  south  side  of  York  river  as  a  military 
post,  and  had  strongly  fortified  it.  Opposite  to  York- 
town  on  the  north  shore  is  Gloucester  Point,  which 
projects  into  the  river,  and  at  this  place  reduces  its 
width  to  one  mile.  This  point  his  Lordship  a'ao  pos 
sessed,  and  fortified.  Between  these  post?  the  river  is 
deep,  and  ships  of  the  line  may  here  ride  in  safety. 
The  communication  between  Yorktown  and  Glouces- 
ter Point  was  defended  by  batteries  on  shore,  and  by 
several  armed  ships  in  the  river.  The  body  of  the 
British  army  was  encamped  about  Yorktown,  within 
a  range  of  redoubts  and  field  works,  erected  to  com- 
mand the  peninsula,  which  at  this  place  is  not  more 
than  eight  miles  wide,  and  to  impede  the  approach  of 
an  assaulting  enemy.  Colonel  Tarleton  with  six  or 
seven  hundred  men  defended  Gloucester. 

On  the  28th,  the  main  body  of  the  allied  army  moved 
down  towards  Yorktown,  driving  before  them  troops 
of  horse,  and  the  piquets  of  the  enemy.  The  columns, 
as  they  reached  the  ground  assigned  them,  encamped 
for  the  night  and  lay  upon  their  arms.  The  next  day 
Was  employed  in  reconnoitring  the  enemy's  position, 
m  which  service  Colonel  Scammel,  an  officer  of  merit, 
was  mortally  wounded,  and  taken  prisoner.  A  force 
consisting  of  about  two  thousand  French  and  Ameri- 
cans, under  the  command  of  the  French  General  de 
Choise,  was  stationed  on  the  north  side  of  the  riverj 
to  watch  and  restrain  the  enemy  in  Gloucester. 

The  French  and  Americans  were  employed  until 
the  6th  of  October,  in  conveying  t^eir  artillery  and 
•tores  from  the  landing  place  to  camp.  On  the  night 
nf  that  day,  they  broke  ground  within  six  hundred 

Vol.«Il.  2* 


18  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1781 

yards  of  the  British  lines  ;  and  the  first  parallel  WM 
completed  with  little  loss.  On  the  !)lh  and  10th,  guns 
were  inounte.-l  on  the  works,  and  the  batteries  began 
to  play,  with  visible  emjet,  on  the  lines  of  the  enemy. 
Many  of  their  guns  were  soon  silenced,  and  their  works 
damaged.  By  the  llth,  the  ensi:iy  scarcely  returned 
a  shot.  The  shells  and  red  hot  balls  of  the  besieger* 
reached  the  British  shipping  in  the  river,  and  set.  the 
Charon  frigate  of  forty-four  guns,  and  several  large 
transports  on  lire,  which  were  entirely  consumed.  A 
spirit  if  emulation  animated  the  troops  of  both  nations, 
and  the  sieje  was  prosecuted  with  vigour  and  effect. 
On  the  night  of  the  llth,  the  second  parallel  was  be- 
gun within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  British  lines. 
The  working  parties  were  not  discovered  until  day- 
light, when  the  trenches  were  in  a  situation  to  cover 
the  men.  Three  days  were  spent  in  completing  the 
batteries  of  this  parallel,  which  time  the  British  inde 
fatigably  employed  upon  their  lines.  They  opened  new 
emorasures,  and  their  fire  was  more  destructive  than 
at  any  previous  period  of  the  siege.  Two  redoubts  in 
particular,  advanced  in  front  of  the  British  lines,  and 
which  flanked  the  second  parallel  of  the  Americans, 
gave  great  annoyance  ;  and  it  was  deemed  necessary 
to  carry  them  by  storm. 

To  prevent  national  jealousy,  and  to  keep  alive  the 
spirit  of  emulation,  the  attack  of  one  was  assigned  to 
the  American  troops,  and  that  of  the  other  to  the 
French.  The  Marquis  La  Fayette  commanded  the 
American  detachment  consisting  of  light  infantry, 
which  was  designed  to  act  against  the  redoubt  near 
the  river,  and  the  Baron  de  Viominel,  with  the  grena- 
diers and  chasseurs  of  his  nation,  was  ordered  to  storm 
the  redoubt  nearer  to  the  British  right.  Colonel  Hanii) 
ton,  who  through  this  campaign  commanded  a  bat- 
talion of  light  iufantry,  led  the  advanced  corps  of  the 
Americans  to  the  assault,  while  Colonel  La.urens 
turned  the  redoubt  and  attacked  in  the  rear,  to  pre 


1781.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTOiN.  19 

vent,  the  retreat  of  the  garrison.  Without  giving  time 
for  the  abattis  to  be  removed,  and  without  firing  a  gun, 
the  Americans  gallantly  assaulted,  anu  instantly  car- 
ried the  works.  Their  loss  was  one  sergeant  and  eight 
privates  killed  ;  and  six  officers,  and  twenty-six  rank 
and  fila  wounded.  The  garri.'Oki  war  commanded  by 
a  Major,  and  consisted  of  about  fifty  men.  Of  thesOj 
eight  privates  were  killed,  a  few  individuals  escaped, 
and  the  residue  were  made  prisoners.* 

The  redoubt  attacked  by  the  French  was  garrisoned 
by  one  hundred  and  twenty  men,  it  made  more  res-.st- 
ance  and  was  overcome  at  the  loss  of  near  one  hundred 
men.  Of  the  garrison  eighteen  were  killed,  and  three 
officers  and  about  forty  privates  were  made  prisoners. 

The  Commander  in  Chief  was  highly  pleased  with 
the  gallantry  of  the  attacking  troops  on  this  occasion. 
In  general  orders  he  congratulated  the  army  on  the 
success  oi'the  enterprise,  and  thanked  the  troops  for 
their  cool  and  intrepid  conduct.  "  The  General  ro 
fleets,"  conclude  the.  orders,  "  with  the  highest  degree 
of  pleasure,  on  the  confidence  which  the  troops  of  the 
two  nations  must  hereafter  have  in  each  other.  As- 
sured of  mutual  support,  he  is  convinced  there  is  no 
danger,  which  they  will  not  cheerfully  encounter,  no 

*  Tliis  event  look  place  soon  after  the  wanton  slaughter  ol 
the  men  in  Fort  Griswold  in  Connecticut  by  the  British.  "  The 
irritation  of  this  recent  carnage  had  not  »o  far  subdued  the 
humanity  of  the  American  character  as  to  induce  retaliation. 
Not  a  man  was  killed  except  in  action.  'Incapable,'  said 
Colonel  Hamilton  in  his  report, 'of  imitating1  examples  of  bar- 
barity, and  forgetting  recent  provocation,  tiie  soldiery  spared 
every  man  that  ceased  to  resist.'  Mr.  Gordon,  in  his  History 
of  the  American  War,  states,  the  orders  given  by  La  Fayctte, 
with  the  approbation  of  WASHINGTON,  to  have  directed,  that 
every  man  in  the  redoubt,  after  its  surrender,  should  be  put 
lo  the  sword.  These  sanguinary  orders,  so  repugnant  to  the 
character  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  of  La  Fayette, 
were  never  given.  There  is  no  trace  ot  them  among  the  papers 
of  General  WASHINGTON  ;  snd  Colonel  Hamilton,  who  took 
a  part  in  the  enterprise,  which  assures  his  perfect  knowledge 
.  of  every  material  occurrence,  has  uublickly  contradicted  tin 
statement."  Judge  Marshall 


20  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1781 

difficulty  which  they  will  not  bravely  overcome."  The 
redoubts  were  the  same  night  included  within  lht> 
second  parallel. 

Lord  Cornwallis  well  knew  that  the  fire  of  the  se 
cond  parallel  would  soon  render  his  works  untenable, 
and  determined  to  attempt  to  destroy  it.  The  sortie 
appointed  for  this  service  consisted  of  three  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  and  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Abercrombie.  Witli  great  impetuosity,  he  at- 
tacked two  batteries  that  were  in  the  gr3atest  forward 

.    ness  and  carried  them  ;  but  the  guards  from 
OCT    15 

the  trenches  advancing,  he  was  compelled  to 

retreat  without  having  effected  his  purpose.  A  few 
pieces  of  cannon  were  hastily  spiked  ;  but  they  were 
soon  again  rendered  fit  for  use.  The  service  was 
honourable  for  the  ofh'cers  and  men  engaged,  but  the 
Bicge  was  not  protracted. 

By  the  afternoon  of  the  IGtli  the  British  works  sunk 
under  the  fire  of  the  batteries  of  the  second  parallel; 
in  the  whole  front  attacked,  they  could  not  show  a 
single  gun,  and  their  sheils  were  nearly  expended.  In 
this  extremity  his  Lordship  adopted  the  desperate  reso- 
lution to  attempt  an  escape.  Leaving  the  sick  and 
wounded  in  his  posts,  he  determined  with  his  efficient 
force  to  cross  over  to  Gloucester,  disperse  the  troops 
under  De  Choise,  mount  his  troops  upon  horses  that 
might  be  found  in  the  country,  direct  his  course  to 
the  fords  of  the  Great  rivers,  and  make  his  way  to 
New-York.  For  this  purpose  boats  were  collected, 
and  other  necessary  measures  taken  On  the  night 
of  the  Kith  the  first  ernbarcation  arrived  in  safety  at 
Gloucester,  but  at  the  moment  the  boats  were  return- 
ing, a  violent  storm  arose,  which  forced  them  down 
the  river.  At  day-light  the  storm  subsided,  and  the 
boats  were  sent  to  bring  back  the  soldiers  to  Yorktown, 
which  with  little  loss,  was  accomplished  in  the  course 
of  the  forenoon. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  fire  of  the   Amer' 


1781.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Jrt 

can  battnries  became  intolerable,  which  soon,  by  its 
reiterated  effects,  rendered  the  British  post  untenable 
Lord  Cornwallis,  perceiving  further  resistance  to  be 
unavailing,  about  ten  o'clock  beat  a  parley,  and  pro- 
posed a  cessation  of  hostilities  for  twenty-four  hours, 
that  Commissioners  might  meet  to  settle  the  terins  or 
which  the  posts  oi  York  and  Gloucester  should  be  sur- 
rendered. General  WASHINGTON,  in  his  answer,  de- 
c.'ared  his  "  ardent  desire  to  spare  the  effusion  of'blood, 
nn<l  his  readiness  to  listen  to  such  terins  as  were  ad- 
missible ;"  but  to  prevent  loss  of  time,  he  desired  "  that, 
previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Commissioners,  the 
proposals  of  his  Lordship  might  be  transmitted  in 
writing,  for  which  purpose  a  suspension  of  hostilities 
for  two  hours  should  be  granted."  The  terins  proposed 
by  his  Lordship,  were  such  as  led  the  General  to  sup- 
pose that  article."  of  capitulation  might  easily  bo  ad- 
justed, and  he  continued  the  cessation  of  hostilities 
until  the  next  day.  To  expedite  the  business,  he  sum- 
marily stated  the  terms  he  was  willing  to  grant,  and 
informed  Earl  Cornwallis,  that  if  he  admitted  these  aa 
the  basis  of  a  treaty,  Commissioners  might  meet  to  put 
them  into  form.  Accordingly  Viscount  de  Noailles, 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Laurcns  on  the  part  of  the 
allies,  and  Colonel  Dundas  and  Major  Ross,  on  tho 
part  of  the  English,  met  the  next  day  and  adjusted 
articles  of  capitulation,  which  were  to  be  submitted  to 
the  consideration  of  the  British  General  Resolving 
not  to  expose  himscli  to  any  accident  that  might  bo 
the  consequcnct  of  unnecessary  delay,  General  WASH- 
INGTON ordered  the  rough  draught  of  the  Commis- 
sioners to  be  fairly  transcribed,  and  sent  to  Lord  Corn- 
wallis early  next  morning,  with  a  letter,  expressing 
his  expectation  that  the  garrison  would  march  out  by 
two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Hopeless  of  more  fa- 
vourable terms,  his  Lordship  signed  the  capitulation, 
and  surrendered  the  posts  of  York  and  Gloucester  witJ« 
their  garrisons  to  General  WASHINGTON  :  and  th« 


82  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1781. 

shipping  in  the  harbour,  with  the  seamen  to  Count  do 
Grasse. 

The  prisoners,  exclusive  of  seamen,  amounted  to 
more  than  seven  thousand,  of  which,  between  four  and 
five  thousand  were  fit  for  duty.  The  garrison  lost 
during  the  siege,  six  officers  and  five  hundred  and 
forty-eight  privates  in  killed  and  wounded.  The  pri- 
vates with  a  competent  number  of  officers  were  to  re- 
main in  Virginia,  Maryland,  or  Pennsylvania.  Tho 
officers  not  required  for  this  service,  were  permitted 
on  parole  to  return  to  Europe,  or  to  any  of  the  mari- 
time posts  of  the  English  on  the  American  continent. 
Lord  Cornwallis  attempted  to  introduce  into  the  treaty 
an  article  in  favour  of  those  Americans  who  had  joined 
his  standard  ;  but  General  WASHINGTON  referred  their 
case  to  the  civil  authority.  Permission  however  was 
granted  to  his  Lordship  to  send  the  Bonetta  sloop  of 
war,  unsearched,  to  New-York  to  carry  his  despatches 
to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  and  in  her  those  Americans 
went  passengers,  who  had,  in  the  highest  degree  in- 
curred the  resentment  of  their  countrymen.  The 
terms  granted  to  Earl  Cornwallis  were,  in  general, 
the  terms  which  had  been  granted  to  the  Americans 
at  the  surrender  of  Charleston  ;  and  General  Lincoln, 
who  on  that  occasion  resigned  his  sword  to  Lord  Corn- 
wallis, was  appointed  to  receive  the  submission  of  the 
royal  army. 

The  allied  army,  to  which  Lord  Cornwallis  surren- 
dered, amounted  to  sixteen  thousand  ;  seven  thousand 
Frrach,  five  thousand  five  hundred  continental  troops, 
and  three  thousand  five  hundred  militia.  In  the  course 
of  the  siege,  they  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  about 
three  hundred.  The  siege  was  prosecuted  with  so 
much  military  judgment  and  ardour,  that  the  treaty 
was  opened  the  llth,  and  the  capitulation  signed  the 
13th  day  after  ground  was  broken  before  the  British 
Unes.  The  whole  army  received  the  unreserved  ap 
probation  of  the  General.  But  the  peculiar  services 


1781.J  LIKE  OF  WASHINGTON  U5 

of  particular  corps  entitled  them  to  special  notice 
The  artillerists  and  the  engineers  greatly  distinguished 
themselves.  Brigadiers  Du  Portail  and  Knox  were 
promoted  to  be  Major  Generals.  Major  Generals 
Lincoln  and  the  Marquis  La  Fayette  were  mentioned 
with  high  commendations,  and  Governour  Nelson, 
who  commanded  the  militia  was  thanked  for  his  eflec- 
fual  exertions  in  the  field,  and  in  furnishing  the  army 
with  such  articles  as  his  state  afforded.  To  Count 
Rochambeau,  to  the  French  officers  and  troops,  Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON  expressed  his  acknowledgments  in 
flattering  language. 

The  British  General  and  Admiral  at  New-York  had 
not  been  inattentive  to  the  perilous  situation  of  Lord 
Cornwallis.  Admiral  Rodney  in  the  West  Indies  had 
early  been  apprized  of  the  intention  of  Count  de  Grasse 
to  visit  the  American  coast  ;  but  not  supposing  that 
the  whole  of  the  Frencli  fleet  on  that  statio*",  would 
be  employed  on  this  service,  Rodney  detached  Sir 
Samuel  Hood  to  the  continent  with  fourteen  sail  of 
line  of  battle  ships.  Sir  Sair_-_el  reached  the  mouth 
of  the  Chesapeak  before  de  Grasse,  and  finding  no 
enemy  there,  sailed  along  the  coast  to  Sandy  Hook. 
Admiral  Greaves  then  lay  in  the  harbour  of  New-York 
with  seven  ships  of  the  line.  Immediately  after  tho 
.arrival  of  Hood,  intelligence  was  received  that  Count 
de  Barrass  had  sailed  from  Newport.  Admiral  Greaves 
with  the  whole  British  squadron  without  loss  of  time 
sailed  in  pursuit  of  him,  and  on  the  24lh  of  September 
he  discovered  the  Frencli  fleet  under  de  Grasse  con- 
sisting of  twenty  four  ships  of  the  line,  riding  at.  an- 
chor ii  the  Chesapeak  and  extending  across  its  en- 
trance. Count  de  Grasse  ordered  his  ships  to  slip 
their  cables  and  form  the  line  of  battle.  A  partial  en- 
gagement took  place,  in  which  some  of  the  English 
ships  were  considerably  damaged.  The  hostile  fleet* 
manoeuvred  for  four  or  five  days  in  sight  o^rr-1-  ~f^or 
and  Count  de  Grasse  then  returned  to  nis  ancnorage 


SM  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [1731 

ground  Here  he  found  Count  de  Barrass  who  had 
taken  a  wide  circuit  to  avoid  the  English,  and  had, 
while  the  hostile  fleets  were  at  sea  entered  the  Chesa- 
peak  with  the  squadron  from  Newport,  consisting  of 
five  ships  and  fourteen  transports,  laden  with  heavy 
artillery  and  military  stores  for  the  siege.  Admiral 
Greaves  returned  to  New-York  to  repair. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  days,  the  British  squadron 
«ras  augmented  to  twenty-five  ships  of  the  line,  and 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  determined  to  encounter  every 
hazard  in  the  attempt  to  relieve  Earl  Cornwallis.  He 
embarked  seven  thousand  of  his  best  troops,  and,  con 
voyed  by  the  fleet,  sailed  on  the  very  day  of  the  capitu- 
lation, for  Virginia.  At  the  entrance  of  the  Chesapcak, 
on  the  24th  of  October,  he  received  information  of  the 
surrender  of  his  Lordship,  and  he  returned  to  New 
York. 

The  capture  of  Lord  Cornwallis  and  his  army  ex- 
cited universal  joy  through  the  United  States.  In  a 
3ircuitous  route  from  Charleston  to  Yorktown,  this 
army  had  marched  elt .  ;n  hundred  miles  and  had 
spread  terrour  and  distress  through  the  whole  extent. 
From  this  dread  the  country  was  delivered.  "The  sur- 
render of  a  second  royal  army,  the  Americans  deemed 
an  event  decisive  of  tne  independence  of  the  United 
States,  and  which  would  speedily  terminate  the  war. 

The  day  after  the  capitulation  General  WASHING- 
TON ordered,  "  that  those  who  were  under  arrest  should 
be  pardoned  and  set  at  liberty,"  and  announced,  that 
"  Divine  service  shall  be  performed  to-morrow  in  the 
different  brigades  and  divisions.  The  Commander  in 
Chief  recommend?,  that  all  the  troops  that  a.e  not 
upon  duty  do  assist  at  it  with  a  serious  deportment, 
and  that  sensibility  of  heart,  which  the  recollection  of 
the  surprising  and  particular  inte~position  of  provi- 
dence in  our  favour  claims."  Congress  as  soon  as  they 
received  General  WASHINGTON'S  official  letter  giving 
information  of  the  event,  resolved  to  go  in  proccssio* 


1781.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  »• 

to  the  Dutch  Lutheran  Church,  and  return  thanks  to 
Almighty  God  for  the  signa.  success  of  the  America*, 
arms  ;  and  they  issued  a  proclamation,  recommending 
to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  to  observe  the 
thirteenth  of  December  as  a  day  of  Publick  Thanks- 
giving and  Prayer.  The  news  of  the  capture  of  Karl 
Cormvallis  was  every  where  received  with  exultation 
and  publick  rejoicing. 

Congress  for  this  achievement,  voted  the  thanks  of 
the  United  States  to  General  WASHINGTON,  to  Count 
Rochambeau,  to  Count  de  Grasse,  to  the  officers  of 
the  allied  army  generally,  and  to  the  corps  of  artillery 
and  engineers  in  particular.  They  ali>o  resolved 
that  a  marble  column  should  be  erected  at  York- 
tcwn  in  Virginia,  bearing  emblems  of  the  alliance  be 
Uveen  the  United  States  and  his  Most  Christian 
Majesty,  and  inscribed  with  a  succint  narrative  of  the 
surrender  of  the  British  army  under  the  command  of 
Earl  Cornwallis.  Two  stands  of  colours  taken  from 
the  royal  troops,  were  presented  to  General  WASH 
INGTON,  two  field  pieces  to  Count  Rochambeau  ;  and 
application  was  made  to  the  French  Court  that  Count 
de  Grasse  might  be  permitted  to  accept  a  testimonial 
of  the  approbation  of  Congress,  similar  to  that  which 
Rochambeau  had  received. 

To  the  Commander  in  Chief  the  most  affectionate 
and  respectful  addresses  were  presented  by  the  govern 
ments  of  the  states,  by  the  authorities  of  cities,  and  by 
the  corporations  of  literary  institutions. 

The  decided  superiority  of  the  allies  in  naval  and 
land  forces,  General  WASHINGTON  wished  to  direct  to 
the  conquest  of  the  British  posts  at  Carolina  and  Geor 
gia.  He  addressed  a  letter  to  Count  de  Grasse  on  thia 
subject,  requestinj:  his  co-operation  in  measures  di- 
rected to  these  objects.  But  the  Count  declined,  de- 
claring that  the  service  of  his  King  demanded  hi* 
immediate  return  to  the  West  Indies. 

-  Orders  were  of  course  issued  for  the  disposition  of 

*  VOL.  II.  3 


86  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1781 

the  allied  armie*  for  the  approaching  winter.  Major 
General  St.  Clair  was  detached  with  two  brigades  to 
South  Carolina  to  reinforce  General  Green.  The 
French  forces  remained  in  Virginia.  The  Eastern 
troops  embarked  early  in  November  for  the  Head  of 
Elk,  under  the  command  of  General  Lincoln,  who  was 
ordered  to  march  them  from  the  place  of  their  landing 
into  New-Jersey  and  New- York,  and  to  canton  them 
for  the  winter  in  those  states.  Count  de  Grasse  with 
his  fleet  sailed  for  the  West  Indies,  and  General  WASH 
XGTON  proceeded  to  Philadelphia. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Preparations  for  another  Campaign — Sir  Guy  Carloton  arrive*  at 
New- York  and  announces  the  votoof  Parliament  to  acknowledge 
Aincric.ui  lndc|x:ii'lence—  Army  anxious  for  their  Pay — Anony- 
mous Address  exciting  them  to  a  Revolt — General  Washington 
convenes  and  addresses  the  Officers — Thcii  resolutions — rre- 
liminary  Articles  of  Peace  received — Cessation  of  Hostilities 
proclaimed — General  Washington  addresses  a  Circular  Letter 
to  the  Executives  of  the  Several  State* — Army  disbanded — New 
Levies  of  Pennsylvania  revolt — The  Commander  in  Chief  enter* 
New- York — Takes  leave  of  his  Officers — Resigns  his  Commis- 
sion to  the  President  of  Congress — Retires  to  Mount  Vernon. 

1.  THE  brilliant  issue  of  the  last  campaign  did 
not  relax  the  vigilance  of  General  WASHINGTON.  He 
deemed  it  true  policy  to  call  forth  all  the  resources  of 
the  country,  that  the  United  States  might  be  prepared 
for  the  conflicts  of  another  year,  or,  might  take  a  com- 
manding attitude  in  a  negotiation  for  peace.  From 
Mount  Vernon,  on  his  way  to'  the  scat  of  government, 
he  wrote  General  Green,"!  shall  attempt  to  stimulate 
.  Congress  to  the  best  improvement  of  our  late  success, 
by  taking  the  most  vigorous  and  effectual  measures  to 
be  ready  for  an  early  and  decisive  campaign  the  n«xt 
vear.  My  greatest  fear  is  that,  viewing  this  stroke  in 
a  point  of  light  which  may  too  much  magnify  its  inv 
portance,  they  may  think  our  work  too  nearly  closed, 
and  fall  into  a  «late  of  languor  and  relaxation.  Tt 


/785J.J         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  23 

prevent  tins  errour,  1  shall  employ  every  means  in  my 
power,  and,  if  unhappily  we  sink  into  this  fatal  mistake, 
no  part  of  the  blame  shall  I }  mine." 

He  reached  Philadelphia  the  27th  of  November,  and 
on  tht  next  day  had  an  audience  of  Congress.  The 
President  informed  him  that  a  committee  war  appointed 
tr>  arrange  the  military  establishment  of  the  ~.ext  year, 
and  taut  he  was  requested  to  remain  in  Pmladelphia 
to  assist  in  this  important  business.  At  the  consulta- 
tions of  this  Committee,  the  Secretary  of  War,  the 
Minister  of  Finance,  and  the  Secretary  of  Foreign 
Ad'airs  assisted.  The  arrangements  were  made  with 
despatch,  and  on  the  .lUth  of  December,  Congress 
passed  the  resolves  for  the  requisitions  of  men  and 
money  for  the  year  1782  upon  the  several  states ;  and 
the  personal  influence  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  was 
on  this  occasion  used,  to  persuade  the  state  govern- 
ments seasonably  to  comply  with  the  resolutions  of 
Congress. 

1782.  The  first  intelligence  from  the  British  govern- 
ment, after  the  surrender  of  Earl  Cornwallis,  indicated 
a  design  to  continue  the  American  war  ;  but  early  in 
May,  Sir  Guy  Carlton  arrived  at  New-York,  to  super 
sede  Sir  Henry  Clinton  as  Commander  in  Chief  of  the 
British  army  ;  and  he  and  Admiral  Digby  were  ap- 
pointed Commissioners  to  treat  with  the  United  States 
upon  terms  of  peace.  He  communicated  to  General 
WASHINGTON  a  vote  of  the  British  Parliament  against 
the  prosecution  of  the  American  war ;  and  a  bill  au 
thorising  the  King  to  conclude  a  peace  or  truce  with 
the  recoiled  provinces  of  North  America.  Sir  Guy  pro- 
fessed his  pacifick  disposition,  and  proposed  that  hostili- 
ties should  cease,  as  these  would  produce  individual 
distress  without  national  advantage.  This  bill,  when 
Sir  Guy  left  England  had  not  passed  into  a  law,  and 
therefore  was  not  a  proper  basis  of  negotiation ;  and 
the  Commander  in  Chief  continued  his  defensive  pre- 
parations « 


28  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1782 

In  August  Sir  Guy  officially  informed  Genera. 
WASHINGTON,  that  negotiations  for  a  general  peace 
had  commenced  at  Paris ;  and  that  his  Britannicb 
Majesty  had  directed  his  Ministei  to  propose  the  In 
dependence  of  the  United  States  as  a  preliminary. 

The  deficiency  of  the  states  in  paying  their  respec 
live  requisitions  of  money  into  the  national  treasury 
•ubjected  the  Minister  of  Finance  to  extreme  difficul- 
ty ;  but  by  anticipating  the  publick  revenue,  and  by 
exerting,  to  the  utmost,  his  personal  influence,  he  was 
enabled  barely  to  support  the  army.  Neither  Officers 
nor  men  received  any  pay.  In  September  Congress 
contemplated  the  reduction  of  their  military  establish- 
ment. By  this  measure  many  of  the  officers  would  be 
discharged.  In  a  confidential  letter  to  the  Secretary 
of  War,  the  Commander  in  Chief  expressed  a  full 
persuasion,  that  the  gentlemen  would  gladly  retire  to 
private  life,  could  they  be  reinstated  in  a  situation  as 
favourable  as  that  which  they  quitted  for  the  service 
of  their  country  ;  but  added  he, 

"  I  cannot  help  fearing  the  result  of  the  measure, 
when  I  see  such  a  number  of  men  goaded  by  a  thou- 
sand stings  of  reflection  on  the  past,  and  of  anticipa- 
tion on  the  future,  about  to  be  turned  into  the  world, 
soured  by  penury,  and  what  they  call  the  ingratitude 
of  the  publick  ;  involved  in  debts  without  one  farthing 
of  money  to  carry  them  home,  after  having  spent  the 
flower  of  their  days,  and  many  of  them,  their  patri- 
monies in  establishing  the  freeJom  and  independence 
of  their  country  ;  and  having  suffered  every  thing 
which  human  nature  is  capable  of  enduring  on  this 
side  of  death.  I  repeat  it,  when  I  reflect  on  these  ir- 
ritable circumstances,  unattended  by  one  thing  to 
sooth  their  feelings,  or  brighten  the  gloomy  prospect, 
I  cannot  avoid  apprehending  that  a  train  of  evils  wil 
follow  of  a  very  serious  and  distressing  nature. 

"  I  wish  not  to  heighten  the  shades  of  the  pioture 
to  far  as  the  real  'ife  would  justify  me  in  doing,  or  1 


IV  <2.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  2S 

wiuld  give  anecdotes  of  patriotism  and  distresa  which 
ha/e  scarcely  ever  been  paralleled,  never  surpassed  ih 
the.  history  of  mankind.  But  you  may  rely  upon  it, 
the  patience  and  lung-suffering  of  this  army  are  almost 
exhausted,  and  there  never  was  so  great  a  spirit  ;«f 
discontent  as  at  this  instant.  While  in  the  field,  I 
think  it  may  be  kept  from  breaking  out  into  acts  of 
outrage ;  but  when  we  rotiro  into  winter  quarters, 
(unless  the  storm  be  previously  dissipated)  I  cannot 
be  at  ease  respecting  the  consequences.  It  is  -ligb 
time  for  a  peace." 

Although  the  military  services  of  the  field  did  not 
require  the  presence  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  yet 
he  was  induced  on  account  of  the  irritable  state  of  the 
army  to  remain  the  whole  season  in  camp. 

The  disquietude  of  the  army  arose  more  from  an  ap- 
prehension, that  their  country  would  ultimately  fail  in 
the  compensation  promised  them,  than  from  the  defi- 
ciency of  prompt  payment. 

In  October  1780,  Congress  had  passed  a  resolution, 
granting  half  pay  to  the  officers  for  life  ;  but  they  had 
no  funds  to  pledge  for  the  fulfilment  of  these  engage- 
ments. Publick  opinion  seemed  to  be  opposed  to  the 
measure,  and  the  pointed  opposition  by  a  number  of 
the  members  of  the  National  Legislature,  rendered  it 
doubtful  whether  a  future  Congress  would  feel  them- 
selves bound  by  that  resolution.  This  doubt  was 
strengthened  by  the  consideration  that,  since  the  pas- 
sage of  the  resolution,  the  articles  of  confederation  had 
been  adopted,  and  by  these  the  concurrence  of  nine 
states,  in  Congress  assembled,  is  necessary  to  the  ap- 
propriation of  publick  money.  Could  absolute  confi 
ience  he  placed  in  the  honour  and  faith  of  the  National 
Council,  still  they  must  depend  on  state  sovereignties 
for  the  ways  and  means  to  execute  their  promises. 
The  country  had  been  greatly  deficient  to  the  army, 
in  the  time  of  war,  when  their  services  were  absolute- 
ly necessary.  Wo-|ld  this  country,  amidst  thn  sncurity 

VOL.  II  3  * 


30  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1783 

and  tranquillity  of  peace,  be  more  just  ?  As  the  pros- 
pects of  immediate  peace  brightened,  the  attention  of 
the  officers  became  the  more  engaged  to  secure  a  com- 
pensation for  those  services  which  were  the  means  to 
establish  the  independence  of  their  country.  In  De 
rember  they  presented  a  memorial  to  Congress,  stit:n» 
that  many  of  them  had  expended  their  private  fortunes, 
and  most  of  them  the  prime  of  life  in  the  service)  of 
their  country,  and  petitioning  that  a  gross  sum  might 
be  granted  them  for  the  money  actually  due,  and  as  a 
commutation  for  half  pay.  They  chose  a  committee 
of  officers  to  present  their  petition  to  Congress,  and  to 
attend  its  passage  through  that  honourable  body. 

At  this  period,  Congress  was  much  divided  in  opi 
nion  upon  the  most  important  publick  questions.  State 
jealousies  and  interests  arose  in  opposition  to  the  en 
gagcments  of  the  Nation  ;  and  although  part  of  Coil 
gress,  respectable  for  number  and  weight  of  character, 
acknowledged  the  merit  of  the  military,  and  were  in- 
clined to  do  them  justice,  yet  in  March,  the 
1783.  committee  at  the  seat  of  government  wrote  the 
officers  in  camp,  that  no  decisive  measures  were 
taken  upon  their  petition.  At  this  time,  the  intelli- 
gence arrived  that  the  provisioned  articles  of  peace  be- 
tweenthe  United  States  and  Great  Britain  were  signed. 
The  army  viewed  the  moment  as  the  crisis  of  their  desti- 
ny. They  recollected  their  past  sacrifices,  they  feh 
their  present  wants,  and  anticipated  future  sufferings. 
Resenting  the  ingratitude  of  their  country,  and  appre 
he-id  ing  that  it  would  ultimately  be  unjust,  an  irrita- 
ble s^ate  of  mind  ensued,  which  threatened  violences 
that  would  tarnish  the  glory  of  their  own  services,  and 
commit  tjie  peace  of  their  country. 

On  the  10th  of  March,  an  anonymous  paper  was 
•imitated,  requesting  a  meeting  at  eleven  o'clock,  on 
the  next  day.  at  the  public  building,  of  the  general  and 
fielrf  officers,  of  an  o'.ficer  from  each  company,  ai.J  & 
delegate  from  the  medical  staff  to  '•  consider  their  laie 


1783.]  UFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  31 

letter  from  their  representatives  in  Philadelphia,  and 
what  measures  (if  any)  should  be  adopted  to  obtain 
that  redress  of  grievances  which  they  seemed  to  have 
•elicited  in  vain." 

On  the  same  day,  the  following  publication,  artful- 
ly addressed  to  the  passions  of  the  officers,  and  admi- 
rably calculated  to  stimulate  them  to  adopt  the  despe- 
rate measure  it  recommended,  was  circulated  through 
the  camp. 

"  To  the  Officers  of  the  Army. 
"  GENTLEMEN, 

"  A  fellow  soldier,  whose  interest  and  affections  bind 
him  strongly  to  you,  whose  past  sufferings  have  been 
as  great,  and  whose  future  fortune  may  be  as  despe- 
rate as  yours — would  besr  leave  to  address  you. 

"  Age  has  its  claims,  and  rank  is  not  without  its  pre- 
tensions to  advise  ;  but  though  unsupported  by  both, 
he  flatters  himself,  that  the  plain  language  of  since- 
rity and  experience  will  neither  be  unheard  nor  un- 
regarded. 

"  Like  many  of  you,  he  loved  private  life,  and  left 
it  with  regret.  He  left  it,  determined  to  retire  from 
the  field,  with  the  necessity  that  called  him  to  it,  and 
not  until  then — not  until  the  enemies  of  his  country, 
the  slaves  of  power,  and  the  hirelings  of  injustice,  were 
compelled  to  abandon  their  schemes,  and  acknowledge 
America,  as  terrible  in  arms,  as  she  had  been  humble 
in  remonstrance.  With  this  object  in  view,  he  has 
long  shared  in  your  toils  and  mingled  in  yonr  dangers. 
He  has  felt  the  cold  hand  of  poverty  without  a  mur- 
mur, and  has  seen  the  insolence  of  wealth  without  a 
•igh — but,  too  much  under  the  direction  of  his  wishes, 
and  sometimes  weak  enough  to  mistake  desire  for 
opinion,  he  has  until  lately,  very  lately,  believed  in  th« 
justice  of  his  country.  He  hoped  that  as  the  cloud* 
»f  adversity  scattered,  and  as  the  eunshine  of  peace 
and  better  fortune  broke  in  upon  us,  the  coldness  r.nd 
K verity  of  government  ",vould  relax,  and  that  more 


52  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [173* 

than  Justice,  that  gratitude  would  blaze  forth  upon 
Ihoae  hands  which  had  upheld  her  in  the  darkest 
stages  of  her  passage,  from  impending  servitude  to 
acknowledged  independence.  IJrt  faith  has  its  limits 
as  well  as  temper,  and  there  are  points  beyord  which 
neit  icr  can  be  stretched,  without  sinking  into  coward- 
ice, or  plunging  into  credulity — This,  my  friends,  I 
conceive  to  be  your  situation — hurried  to  the  very 
verge  of  both,  another  step  would  ruin  you  fir  ever — 
to  be  tame  ar»d  unprovoked  when  injuries  press  hard 
upon  you,  is  more  than  weakness  ;  but  to  look  up  for 
kinder  usage,  without  one  mai>ly  effort  of  your  own, 
would  fix  your  character,  and  show  the  world  how 
richly  you  deserve  those  chains  you  broke  To  guard 
aguinst  this  evil,  let  us  take  a  review  of  the  ground 
upon  which  we  now  stand,  and  from  thence  carry  our 
thoughts  forward  for  a  moment,  into  the  unexplored 
field  of  expedient. 

"  \ller  a  pursuit  of  seven  long  years,  the  object  for 
whii^h  we  set  out  is  at  length  brought  within  our  reach 
— yes,  my  friends,  that  suffering  courage  of  yours  was 
active  once — it  has  conducted  the  United  States  of 
America  through  a  doubtful  and  a  bloody  war.  It  has 
placed  her  in  the  chair  of  independency,  and  peace  re- 
turns again  to  bless — whom  ?  A  country  willing  to 
redress  your  wrongs,  cherish  your  worth,  and  reward 
your  services  ?  A  country  courting  your  return  to 
private  life,  with  tears  of  gratitude,  and  smiles  of  ad- 
miration, longing  to  divide  with  you  that  independen- 
cy which  your  gallantry  has  given,  and  those  rk- lies 
which  your  wounds  have  preserved  ?  Is  this  the  case  < 
Or  is  it  rather  a  country  that  tramples  upon  your 
rights,  disdains  your  cries,  and  insults  your  distresses  ? 
Have  you  not  more  than  once  suggested  your  wishes, 
and  made  known  your  wants  to  Congress  ?  Wants  and 
wishes  which  gratitude  and  policy  should  have  antici- 
pated rather  than  evaded  ;  and  have  you  not  lately  in 
the  meek  lan/juago  of  entreating  memorials,  begged 


1783.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  S3 

from  their  justice,  what  you  could  no  longer  expe^ 
from  their  favour  ?  How  have  you  been  answered  ? 
Let  the  letter  which  you  are  called  to  consider  to-raor 
row  reply. 

"  If  this,  then,  be  yonr  treatment  while  the  swords 
you  wear  are  necessary  for  the  dt  fence  of  America, 
what  have  you  to  expect  from  peace,  when  vour 
voice  shall  sink,  and  your  streugth  dissipate  by  divi- 
won  ?  When  those  very  swords,  the  instruments  and 
companions  of  your  glory  shall  be  taken  from  your 
sides,  and  no  remaining  mark  of  mtlitary  distinction 
left  but  your  wants,  infirmities,  and  scars  ?  Can  you 
then  consent  to  be  the  only  sufferers  by  this  revolu- 
tion, and  retiring  from  the  field,  grow  old  in  poverty, 
wretchedness,  and  contempt  ?  Can  you  consent  to 
wade  through  the  vile  mire  of  dependency,  and  owe 
the  miserable  remnant  of  that  life  to  charily,  which 
has  hitherto  been  spent  in  honour  ?  If  you  can — go 
— and  carry  with  you  the  jest  of  lories  and  the  scorn 
of  whigs — the  ridicule,  and  what  is  worse,  the  pity  of 
the  world.  Go,  starve,  and  be  forgotten  !  B«t  if  your 
spirit  should  revolt  at  this  ;  if  you  have  sense  enough 
to  discover,  and  spirit  enough  to  oppose  tyranny,  un- 
der whatever  garb  it  may  assume  ;  whether  it  be  the 
plain  coat  of  republicanism,  or  the  splendid  robe  of 
royalty;  if  you  have  not  yet  learned  to  disci  iminate 
between  a  people  and  a  cause,  between  men  and  prin- 
ciples— awake  ;  attend  to  your  situation,  and  redress 
yourselves.  If  the  present  moment  be  lost,  every  fu- 
ture effort  is  in  vain  ;  and  your  threats  then,  will  be  as 
empty  as  your  entreaties  now. 

"I  would  advise  you,  therefore,  to  come  to  some 
final  opinion  upon  what  you  canbe;ir,  and  what  you  will 
suffer.  If  your  determination  be  in  any  proportion  to 
your  wrongs,  carry  your  appeal  from  the  justice  to  the 
fears  of  government.  Change  the  milk  and  water  style 
of  your  last  memorial  ;  assume  a  bolder  tone-  decent, 
but  lively,  spirited,  and  determined,  atd  suspectthe  man 


!M  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1783 

who  would  advise  to  mare  moderation  and  longer 
Forbearance  l-.ot  two  or  three  men  who  can  feel  as 
well  as  write,  be  appointed  to  draw  up  your  last  re- 
monstrance ;  for  I  would  no  longer  give  it  the  sueinor, 
soil.,  unsuccessful  epithet  of  memorial.  Let  it  be  re- 
presented in  1'iivgiiage  that  will  neitlier  di«lx>nour  you 
by  its  rudeness,  nor  betray  you  by  its  fears,  what  has 
been  promised  by  Congress,  and  what  lias  been  per- 
formed— h<>w  long,  and  how  patiently  you  have  suffer- 
ed— how  little  you  have  asked,  and  how  much  of  that 
little  lw.9  been  denied.  Tell  tlusm  that  though  you 
wore  the  first,  ainl  would  wish  to  be  the  last  to  en- 
counter drtnirer,  though  despair  itself  can  never  drive 
you  into  dishonour,  it  m*y  drive  you  front  tne  fie-ld  ; 
that  t.lve  wound  often  irritated,  and  never  healed,  may 
at  length  become  incurable;  ami  that  the  slightest  mark 
of  indignity  from  Congress  now  must  operate  like  the 
grave,  and  part  you  for  ever :  that  in  any  political 
event,  ll»e  army  lias- its  alternative.  If  peace,  that  no- 
thing sliall  separate  you-  from  your  arms  but  death:  if 
war,  that  courting  the  auspices,  and  inviting  tlic  di- 
rection of  your  illustrious  leader,  you  will  retire  to 
some  unsettled  country,  smile  in.  your  turn,  and  mock 
when  their  fear  cometh  on.  But  let  it  represent  also, 
that  should  they  comply  with  the  request  of  your  late 
memorial,  rt  would-  make  you  mon  happy,  and  them 
more  respectable.  That  while  war  should  continue, 
you  would  follow  their  standard  into  the  field,  and 
whan  it  came  to  an  end  you  would  withdraw  into  the 
shade*  of  private  life,  and  give  the  world  another  sub- 
ject of  wonder  and  applause  ;  an  army  victorious  over 
UP  enemies — victorious  over  itself." 

The  reluctance  which  Congress  manifested  to  com- 
pentale  the  army  for  seven  years'  glorious  service,  ex- 
cited i  temper  too  favourable  to  the  purposes  of  the 
writer  of  this  intemperate  address.  Probably  the  in 
flueno-  of  General  WASHINGTON  alone  could  havo  ar 
•»«ted  he  rit'ng  temuest :  ana  hit  firmness  and  pru 


ITSq  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  35 

dcnce  were  equal  to  the  occasion.  Silence  in  him 
would  have  encouraged  the  desperate  to  the  prosecu- 
tion of  the  most  rash  design  ;  and  strong  and  vioient 
measures  would  have  enkindled  the  smothered  spark 
into  a  destructive  flame.  Noticing  in  general  orders 
the  anonymous  publication, he  expressed  his  confidence 
that  the  judgment  and  patriotism  of  the  army  would  for- 
bid their  "  attention  to  such  an  irregular  invitation, 
but  his  own  duty,"  he  added,  "  as  well  as  the  reputa- 
tion and  the  trne  interest  of  the  army  required  his  dis- 
approbation of  such  disorderly  proceedings.  At  the 
same  time,  he  requested  the  general  and  Held  officers, 
with  one  officer  from  each  company,  and  a  proper  re 
p/esentation  from  the  staff  of  the  army,  to  assemble  at 
twelve  on  Saturday  the  loth,  at  the  new  building,  to 
hear  the  report  of  the  committee  deputed  by  the  army 
to  Congress.  After  mature  deliberation,  they  wiil  de- 
vise what  further  measures  ought  to  -be  adopted  as 
most  rational  and  best  calculated  to  obtain  the  just  and 
important  object  in  view."  The  senior  officer  in  rank 
was  directed  "to  preside,  and  to  report  the  result  of  their 
deliberations  to  the  Commander  in  Chief. 

The  next  day  a  second  anonymous  address  was  pub- 
lished. The  writer  affected  to  consider  the  orders  of 
the  General  as  countenancing  the  convention,  recom- 
mended in  the  first  publication. 

On    the  loth  the   officers   met  agreeably  to  orders, 
and  General  Gates  took  the   chair.     The  Commander 
in  Chief  then  addressed  them. 
"  GENTLEMEN, 

"  By  an  anonymous  summons  an  attempt  has  been 
made  to  convene  you  together.  How  inconsistent 
with  the  rules  of  propriety,  how  unrnilitary,  and  how 
subversive  of  all  order  and  discipline,  let  the  good  sense 
of  the  army  decide. 

"  In  the  moment  of  this  summons,  another  anony- 
nn  us  production  was  sent  into  circuration,  addressed 
more  to  the  feelings  and  passion*  than  to  the  judg- 


36  LIFE  O*'  WASHINGTON.  [1783 

ment  of  the  army.  The  author  of  the  piece  is  enti 
tied  to  much  credit  for  the  goodness  of  his-  pen  ;  and  I 
could  wish  he  had  as  much  credit  for  the  rectitude  of 
his  heart ;  for,  as  men  see  through  different  opticks, 
and  are  induced  by  the  reflecting  faculties  of  the  mind, 
to  use  different  means  to  attain  the  same  end,  UHJ  au- 
thor of  the  address  should  have  had  more  charity  than 
to  mark  for  suspicion  the  man  who  should  recommend 
moderation  and  longer  forbearance  ;  or  in  other  words, 
who  should  not  think  as  he  thinks,  and  act  as  he  ad 
vises.  But  lie  had  another  plan  in  view,  in  which  can- 
dour and  liberality  of  sentiment,  regard  to  justice  and 
love  of  country,  ht»ve  no  part ;  and  he  was  right  to  in- 
sinuate the  darkest  suspicion  to  eflfcct  the  blackest 
design.  That  the  address  was  drawn  with  great  art, 
and  is  designed  to  answer  the  nvost  insidious  purposes  ; 
lhat  it  is  calculated  to  impress  the  mind  with  an  idea 
of  premeditated  injustice  in  the  sovereign  power  of 
tie  United  States,  and  rouse  all  those  resentments 
which  must  unavoidably  flow  front  such  a  belief;  tliat 
the  secret  mover  of  this  scheme,  whoever  he  may 
be,  intended  to  take  advantage  of  f  he  passions,  while 
they  were  warmed  by  the  recollection  of  past  distress- 
es, without  giving  time  for  cool,  deliberative  thinking, 
and  that  composure  of  mind  which  is  so  necessary  to 
give  dignity  and  stability  to  measures,  is  rendered  too 
obvious,  by  the  mode  of  conducting  the  business,  to 
need  other  proof  than  a  reference  to  the  proceedings, 
"  Tims  much,  gentlemen,  I  have  thought  it  incum- 
bent on  me  to  observe  to  you,  to  show  upon  what  prin- 
ciples I  opposed  the  irregular  and  hasty  meeting  which 
was  proposed  to  have  been  held  on  Tuesday  last,  and 
not  because  I  wanted  a  disposition  to  give  you  every 
opportunity,  consistent  with  your  own  honour,  and  the 
dignity  of  the  army,  to  make  known  your  grievances. 
If  my  conduct  heretofore  has  not  evinced  to  you,  that 
I  have  been  a  faithful  friend  to  the  army,  my  declara- 
tion of  it  at  this  time  would  be  equally  unavailing  and 


i;83.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  37 

improper.  But  as  1  was  among  the  first  who  embark- 
ed in  the  cause  of  our  common  country  ;  as  I  have  ne- 
ver left  your  side  one  moment,  -but  when  called  from 
you  on  pu'blick  -duty  ;  us  I  have  'been  the  constant  com- 
panion and  witness  of  your  distresses,  and  not  among 
the  last  to  feel  and  acknowledge  your  merits  :  as  I 
have  ever  considered  my  own  military  reputation  as 
inseparably  connected  with  that  of  the  army  ;  as  my 
heart  has  eve-r  expanded  with  joy  when  I  iiav^  licard- 
its  praises,  and  my  indignation  has  arisen  wli-'ii  the 
mouth  of  detraction  has  been  opened  against  it ;  it  can 
•  scarcely  be  supposed  at  this  last  stage  of  the  war,  that 
I  am  indifferent  to  its  interests.  But  how  are  they  to 
be  promoted  ?  The  way  is  plain,  says  the  anonymous 
addresser!  If  war  continue,  remove  into  the  unsettled 
Country  ;  there  establish  yourselves,  and  leave  an  un- 
grateful country  to  defend  itself; — but  who  ire  they 
to  defend  ?  Our  wives,  our  children,  our  taims  and 
other  (woperty  which  we  leave  behind  us  :  Or  in  this 
state  of  hostile  separation,  are  we  to  take  the  two  first, 
(the  latter  cannot  be  removed)  to  perish  in  a  wilderness 
with  hunger,  cold,  and  nakedness  ? 

"  If  peace  takes  place,  never  sheath  your  swords," 
says  he,  "  until  you  ha'"e  obtained  full  and  ample  jus- 
tice." This  dreadful  alternative  of  either  deserting 
our  country  in  the  extremest  hour  of  her  distress,  or 
turning  OUT  arms  against  it.  which  is  the  apparent  ob 
ject,  unless  Congress  can  be  compelled  into  infant 
compliance,  has  something  so  shocking  in  %  that  hu- 
manity revolts  at  the  idea.  My  God!  What  can  this 
writer  have  in  view,  by  recommending  such  measures: 
Can  he  be  a  friend  to  the  army  ?  Can  he  be  a  friend 
to  this  country  ?  Rather  is  he  not  an  insidious  foe  ; 
gome  emissary,  perhaps,  from  New-York,  plotting  the 
ruin  of  both,  by  sowing  the  seeds  of  discord  and  sepa- 
ration between  the  civil  and  military  powers  of  the 
continent  ?  And  what  a  compliment  does  he  pay  to  our 
understandings,  when  he  recommends  measures,  in  ei- 

VOL   IT.  4 


3S  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1.1783 

their  alternative,  impracticable  in  their  nature  ?  But 
here,  gentlemen.  I  will  drop  the  curtain,  because  it 
would  be  as  imprudent  in  me  to  assign  my  reason! 
for  this  opinion,,  as  it  would  be  insulting  to  your  con 
ception  to  suppose  you  stood  in  need  of  them.  A  mo- 
ment's reflection  will  convince  every  dispassionate 
tnind  of  the  physical  impossibility  of  carrying  either 
proposal  into  execution.  There  might,  gentlemen,  be 
an  impropriety  in  my  taking  notice,  in  this  address  to 
you,  of  an  anonymous  production  ; — but  the  manner  in 
which  that  performauce  has  been  introduced  to  the  ar- 
my ;  the  effect  it  was  intended  to  have,  together  with 
some  other  circumstances,  will  amply  justify  my  obser- 
vation on  the  tendency  of  that  writing. 

"With  respect  to  the  advice  given  by  the  author,  to 
suspect  the  man  who  shall  recommend  moderate  mea- 
sures and  longer  forbearance,  1  spurn  it,  as  every  man 
who  regards  that  liberty  and  reveres,  that  justice  for 
which  we  contend,  undoubtedly  must ;  for,  if  men  are 
to  be  precluded  from  offering  their  sentiments  on  a 
matter  which  may  involve  the  most  serious  and  alarm- 
ing consequences  that  can  invite  the  consideration  of 
mankind,  reason  is  of  no  use  to  us.  The  freedom  of 
speech  may  be  taken-  away,  and  dumb  and  silent  we 
may  be  led,  like  sheep  to  the  slaughter.  I  cannot  ir 
justice  to  my  own  belief,  and  what  I  have  great  rea- 
son to  conceive  is  the  intention  of  Congress,  conclude 
thL''  address,  without  giving  it  as  my  decided  opinion, 
that  that  honourable  body  entertain  exalted  sentiments 
of  the  services  of  the  army,  and  from  a  full  conviction 
of  its  merits  and  sufferings,  will  do  it  complete  jus- 
tice. That  their  endeavours  to  discover  and  establish 
funds  for  this  purpose  have  been  unwearied,  and  will 
not  cease  until  they  have  succeeded,  I  have  not  a  doubt. 

"  Bat  like  all  other  large  bodies,  where  there  is  a  va- 
riety of  different  interests  to  reconcile,  their  determi 
nations  are  slow.  Why  then  should  we  distrust  them 
And  in  consequence  of  thai  Distrust,  adopt  measure! 


783.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  30 

which  may  cast  a  shade  over  that  glory  which  lias  "been 
ID  justly  acquired,  and  tarnish  the  reputation  of  an 
trmy  which  is  celebrated  through  all  Europe  for  its 
trtitude  and  patriotism?  And  for  what  is  this  done  ? 
To  bring  the  obiect  we  seek  nearer  ?  No  ;  most  cer 
luinly,  in  iny  opinion,  it  will  cast  it  at  a  greater  dis 
tance.  For  myself,  (and  I  take  no  merit  in  giving  the 
assurance,  being  induced  to  it  from  principles  of  gra 
titude,  veracity,  and  justice,  and  a  grateful  sense  of  the 
confidence  you  have  ever  placed  in  me)  a  recollection 
of  the  cheerful  assistance  and  prompt  obedience  1  hatfe 
experienced  from  yon,  under  every  vicissitude  of  for 
tune,  and  the  sincere  affection  I  feel  for  an  army 
'have  so  long  had  the  honour  to  command,  \vill  oblige 
me  to  declare  in  this  publick  and  solemn  manner,  that 
in  the  attainment  of  -complete  justice  for  all  your  toils 
and  dangers,  and  in  the  gratification  of  every  wish,  so 
far  as  may  be  done  consistestly  with  the  great  duty  1 
owe  my  country,  and  those  powers  we  arc  bound  to  re- 
spect, you  may  freely  command  my  services  to  the 
utmost  extent  of  my  abilities. 

•"  While  I  give  you  these  assurances,  and  pledge 
myself  in  the  most  unequivocal  manner,  to  exert  what- 
ever abilities  I  am  possessed  of  in  your  favour,  let  me 
entreat  you,  gentlemen,  on  your  part,  not  to  take  any 
measures,  which  viewed  in  the  calm  light  of  reason, 
will  lessen  the  dignity,  and  sully  the  glory  you  have 
hitherto  maintained  : — lot  me  request  you  to  rely  on 
the  plighted  faith  of  your  country,  and  place  a  fuil 
confidence  in  the  purity  of  the  intentions  of  Congress  ; 
that  previous  to  your  dissolution  as  an  army,  they  will 
cause  all  your  accounts  to  be  fairly  liquidated,  as  di- 
rected in  the  resolutions  which  were  published  to  you 
two  days  ago  ;  and  that  they  will  adopt  the  most  ef- 
fectual measures  in  their  power  to  render  ample  justice 
to  you  for  your  faithful  and  meritorious  services.  And 
let  me  conjure  you,  in  the  name  of  our  common  coau 
try,  as  vou  naiue  your  own  sj»red  honour:  u  you 


40  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [I7&S 

respect  the  rights  of  humanity  ;  and  as  you  regard  the 
military  anxl  mtioiial  character  of  America  ;  to  express 
your  utmost  borrour  and  detestation  of  the  man  who 
wishes,  under  any  specious  pretences,  to  overturn  the 
liberties  of  our  country  ;  and  who  wickedly  attempts 
to  open  the  floodgates  of  civil  discord,  and  deluge  our 
rising  empire  in  blood. 

"  By  thus  determining,  and  thus  acting,  you  wil1 
firsue  the  plain:  and  direct  road  to  the  attainment  ot 
your  wishes;  yon  will  defeat  the  insidious  designs  of 
our  enemies,  who  are  compelled  to  resort  from  open 
force  to  t<ecret  artifice.  You  will  give  one  more  dis- 
tinguished proof  of  unexampled  patriotism  and  patient 
virtue,  rising  superiour  to  tlie  pressure  of  the  most  com-* 
plicated  sufterii>gs  ;  and  yot*  will  by  the  dignity  of 
your  conduct  afford  occasion  for  posterity  to  say,  when 
speaking  of  the  glorious  example  yoa  l»ave  exhibited 
to  imrtkiitd—  -Irad  this  d«y  been  wanting,  the  world 
had  never  seen-  the  List  stage  of  perfection  to  which 
human  nattire  is  capable  of  attaining." 

In  the  judgment,  honour,  and  friendship  of  their  Ge- 
aeral,  the  officers  placed  unbounded  confidence  ;  aad 
his  recommendations  carried  ii  resistible  weight.  The 
most  desperate  had  not  the  hardihood  to  oppose  his  ad- 
vice. General  Knox  moved,  and  Brigadier  General 
Putnam  seconded  a  resolution,  "  assuring  him  that  the 
officers  reciprocated  his  affectionate  expressions  with 
the  greatest  sincerity  of  which  the  human  heart  ia 
capable,"  which  passed  unanimously.  On  motion  of 
General  Putnam  a  committee  ws  tlten  chosen,  con- 
sisting of  General  Knox,  Colon*?!  Brooks,  and  Captain 
ilc-ywood,  to  prepare  resolutions  on  the  business  before 
them.  They  reported  the  following  resolutions,  which 
on  mature  deliberation  passed  unanimously, 

<;  Resolved  unanimously,  that  at  the  commencement 
of  the  present  war,  the  officers  of  the  American  army 
engaged  in  the  service  of  their,  country  from  the  pur- 
»>sl  love  and  attachment  to  the  rights  and  likeiti«s  of 


1783.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  41 

human  nature  •  which  motives  still  exist  in  the  high- 
est degree  ;  and  that  no  circumstances  of  distress  or 
danger  shall  induce  a  conduct  that  may  tend  to  sully 
the  reputation  and  glory  which  they  have  acquired, 
at  the  price  of  their  blood  and  eight  years  faithful  ser- 
vices. 

"  Resolved  unanimously,  that  the  army  continue  to 
hare  an  unshaken  confidence  in  the  justice  of  Con- 
gress and  their  country,  and  are  fully  convinced  that 
the  Representatives  of  America  will  not  disband  or 
disperse  the  army  until  their  accounts  are  liquidated, 
the  balances  accurately  ascertained,  and  adequate 
funds  established  for  payment ;  and  in  this  arrange- 
ment, the  officers  expect  that  the  half  pay,  or  a  com- 
mutation for  it,  should  be  efficaciously  comprehended. 

"  Resolved  unanimously,  that  his  Excellency  the 
Commander  in  Chief  be  requested  to  write  to  his  Ex- 
cellency the  President  of  Congress,  earnestly  entreat- 
ing thi3  rnost  speedy  decision  of  that  honourable  body 
upon  the  subject  of  our  late  address,  which  was  for- 
warded by  a  Committee  of  the  army,  some  of  whom 
are  waiting  upon  Congress  for  the  result.  In  the  al- 
ternative of  peace  or  war,  this  event  would  be  highly 
satisfactory,  and  would  produce  immediate  tranquillity 
in  the  minds  of  the  army,  and  prevent  any  further 
machinations  of  designing  men,  to  sow  discord  between 
the  civil  and  military  powers  of  the  United  States. 

"  On  motion,  resolved  unanimously,  that  theoflios.Ti 
of  the  American  army  view  with  abhorrence  and  re- 
ject with  disdain,  the  infamous  propositions  contained 
•n  a  late  anonymous  address  to  the  officers  of  the  army, 
and  resent  with  indignation  the  secret  attempts  of  some 
unknown  persons  to  collect  the  officers  together,  in  a 
manner  totally  subversive  of  all  discipline  and  good 
order. 

"  Resolved  unanimously,  that  the  thanks  of  the  offi- 
cers of  the  army  be  given  to  the  Committee  wrio  pre 
•outed  to  Congress  the  late  address  of  the  aii  17,  fed 
4« 


12  LIFE  OF  WASHiKG'^r^.  [1783 

the  wisd..  .TI  and  prudence  v,  ita  ,<i'lcr>  thpy  he^econ 
ducted  that  business  ;  aw'  t!.af.  »  ~<>,,y  pi*  the  proceed- 
ings of  this  day,  be  tr»  i'.rr'.tt  jil  by  the  President  to 
Major  General  M'Dor/ a.1. ;  and  that  lie  be  requested 
to  continue  his  solicit  i/ons  at  Congress,  until  the  ob- 
jects of  his  mission  a  /  accomplished." 

Machinations  whi  .'/  threatened  the  army  with  dis 
grace,  and. the  cov  ',  y  with  ruin,  being  thus  happily 
suppressed,  Gener  .  WASHINGTON  without  delay  exe- 
cuted his  pro  in  is  •  -  j  the  officers  ;  and  in  a  letter  tr 
Congress  with  fet  '  j  and  force  supported  their  claim* 
upon  their  count] 

Soon  after  the  .  proceedings,  nine  states  concurreo 
in  a  resolution,  •  '  minuting  the  half  pay  into  a  SUIT 
equal  to  five  year  '  whole  pay.  Still  Congress  depend- 
ed oa  the  stales  t<  furnish  the  funds  to  enable  them  to 
fulfil  this  engagei  lent. 

In  April  the  ra  ification  of  the  preliminary  articles 
of  peace  between  France  and  Great  Britain  was  receiv- 
ed, and  on  the  Hi  h  of  that  month,  a  cessation  of  hos- 
tilities was  procUrmed  in  the  American  camp. 

In  June  Gener  1  WASHINGTON   addressed  a  circular 
letter  on  the  imp<  rtant   interests  of  the  Union,  to    the 
Governors  of  the  several  states. — It  began, 
SIR, 

"  The  great  object  for  which  I  had  the  honour  to 
Mold  an  appointment  in  the  service  of  iny  country,  be- 
jiig  accomplished,  1  am  now  preparing  to  resign  it  into 
the  hands  of  Congress/  and  return  to  that  doniest.ick 
retirement,  v  hich  it  is  well  known,  1  loft  with  the 
grcateot  reluctance  ;  a  retirement  for  whn;ti  1  havo 
never  ceased  to  -igh  through  a  long  and  painful  ab- 
sence, in  which  ( remote  from  the  noise  and  trouble  of 
the  world)  Imecitate  to  pass  the  remainder  of  life  in 
a  state  of  pndutorbed  repose  ;  but.  before  1  c;irry  this 
resolution  into  eJTect,  1  think  it  a  duty  incumbent  on 
me  to  make  tlus  my  last  official  communication,  tn 
congratulate  you  on  the  glorious  evwnts  which  Heaven 


1783.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  43 

has  been  pleased  to  produce  in  our  favour  ;  to  offer  rny 
sentiments  respecting  some  important  subjects  which 
appear  to  me  to  be  intimately  connected  with  the  tran- 
quillity of  the  United  States  ;  to  take  my  leave  of 
your  Excellency  as  a  publick  character,  and  to  give  my 
final  blessing  to  that  country  in  whose  service  I  have 
•pent  the  prime  of  my  life  ;  for  whoso  sake  I  have 
consumed  so  many  anxious  days  and  watchful  nights ; 
on<?  whose  happiness  being  extremely  dear  to  me, 
will  always  constitute  no  inconsiderable  part  of  my 
own. 

''  Impressed  with  the  liveliest  sensibility  on  this 
pk  using  occasion,  I  will  claim  the  indulgence  of  de- 
taxiing  the  more  copiously  on  the  subject  of  our  mutual 
fencitalion.  When  we  consider  the  magnitude  of  the 
prii,*  we  contended  for,  the  doubtful  nature  of  the  con- 
test, -aid  the  favourable  manner  in  which  it  has  termi- 
nateu,  we  shall  find  the  greatest  possible  reason  for 
gratitude  and  rejoicing  :  this  is  a  theme  that  will  afford 
innnito  delight  to  every  benevolent  and  liberal  mind, 
whether  the  event  in  contemplation  be  considered  as  a 
source  of  present  enjoyment,  or  the  parent  of  future 
happiness  ;  and  we  shall  have  equal  occasion  to  felici 
tale  ourselves  on  the  lot  which  Providence  has  assign 
ed  us,  whether  we  view  it  in  a  natural,  political,  or 
a  moral  point  of  view. 

"  Tne  citizens  of  America,  placed  in  the  most  envi- 
able condition,  as  the  sole  lords  and  proprietors  of  a 
vast  tract  of  continent,  comprehending  all  the  various 
soils  and  climates  of  the  world,  and  abounding  with 
all  the  necessaries  and  conveniences  of  life,  are  now, 
by  the  late  satisfactory  pacification,  acknowledged  to 
be  possessed  of  absolute  freedom  and  indepcndoncy ; 
they  are  from  this  period  to  be  considered  as  the  actors 
on  a  most  conspicuous  theatre,  which  seems  to  be  pecu- 
liarly designed  by  Providence  for  'he  display  of  human 
greatness  and  felicity  :  here  they  arc  not  only  sur 
rounded  with  every  thing  that  can  contribute  to  tht 


It  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [1783 

completion  of  private  a^M  domestick  enjoyment,  bm 
Heaven  lias  crowned  all  its  other  blessings,  by  giving  a 
surer  opportunity  lor  political  happiness  than  any  other 
nation  has  ever  been  favoured  with.  Nothing  can  illus- 
trate these  observations  more  forcibly  than  the  rccol 
lection  ofthe  happy  conjuncture  of  times  and  circum- 
stances, under  which  our  republick  assumed  its  rank 
among  the  nations 

"  The  foundation  of  our  empire  was  not  laid  in  a 
gloomy  age  of  ignorance  and  superstition,  but  at  an 
epocha  when  the  rights  of  mankind  were  better  under- 
stood and  more  clearly  denned,  than  at  any  former 
period :  researches  of  the  human  mind  after  social 
happiness  have  been  carried  to  a  great  extent :  the 
treasures  of  knowledge  acquired  by  the  labours  of  phi 
losophers,  sages,  and  legislators,  through  a  long  suc- 
cession of  years,  are  laid  open  for  use,  and  their 
collected  wisdom  may  be  happily  applied  in  the  es 
tahlishment  of  our  forms  of  government :  the  free  cul- 
tivation of  letters,  the  unbounded  extension  of  com- 
merce, the  progressive  refinement  of  manners,  the 
growing  liberality  of  sentiment,  and,  above  all,  the  pure 
and  benign  light  of  revelation,  have  had  a  meliorating 
influence  on  mankind,  and  increased  the  blessings  of 
society.  At  this  auspicious  period  the  United  States 
came  into  existence  as  a  nation,  and  if  their  citizens 
should  not  be  completely  tree  and  happy,  the  fault  will 
be  entirel/  their  own. 

"  Such  is  our  situation,  and  such  are  our  prospects  ; 
but  notwithstanding  the  cup  of  blessing  is  thus  reach- 
ed r-ui  to  us,  notwithstanding  happiness  is  ours,  if  we 
h;we  a  dMposition  to  seize  the  occasion,  and  make  it 
our  own  ;  yet  it  appears  to  me,  there  is  an  option  still 
left  to  the  United  States  of  America,  whether  they 
will  be  respectable  and  prosperous,  or  contemptible 
»nd  miserable  as  a  nation.  This  is  the  time  of  their 
political  probation  ;  this  is  the  moment,  when  the  eyes 
oi  the  v/hoie  world  are  turned  upon  them  ;  this  is  th« 


i7S3]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  -in 

lime  to  establish  or  ruin  their  national  character  for 
ever  ;  this  is  the  favourable  moment  to  give  such  a 
tone  to  the  Federal  Government,  as  will  enable  it  to 
answer  I  ho  ends  of  its  institution  ;  or  this  may  be  the 
ill-fated  moment  for  relaxing  the  powers  of  the  Union, 
annihilating  the  cement  of  the  confederation  and  ex 
posing  us  to  become  the  sport  of  European  politics, 
which  may  play  one  state  against  another,  to  prevent 
their  growing  importance,  and  to  serve  their  own  .n 
terested  purposes.  For,  according  to  the  system  of 
policy  the  states  shall  adopt  at  this  moment,  they  will 
stand  or  fall ;  and,  by  their  confirmation  or  lapse,  it  is 
yet  to  be  decided,  whether,  the  revolution  must  ulti 
mately  be  considered  as' a  blessing  or  a  curse  ;  a  bless- 
ing or  a  curse,  not  to  the  present  age  alone,  for  with 
our  fate  will  the  destiny  of  unborn  millions  be  involved. 

"  With  this  conviction  of  the  importance  of  the 
present  crisis,  silence  in  me  would  be  a  crime.  I  will 
therefore  speak  to  your  Excellency  in-the  language  of 
freedom  and  sincerity,  without  d'sguise.  I  am  aware, 
however,  those  who  differ  from  me  in  political  senti- 
ments, may  perhaps  remark,  1  am  stepping  out  of  the 
proper  line  of  my  duty  ;  and  they  may  possibly  ascribe 
to  arrogance  or  ostentation,  what  1  know  is  alone  the 
result  of  the  purest  intention  ;  but  the  rectitude  of  my 
own  heart,  which  disdains  such  unwurthy  motives,  tho 
^art  I  have  hitherto  acted  in  life,  the  determination  I 
*iave  formed  of  not  taking  any  share  in  publick  busi- 
ness hereafter,  the  ardent  desire  I  feel  and  shall  con- 
tinue to  manifest,  of  qui°tly  enjoying  in  private  life, 
a/ter  all  the  toils  of  war,  the  benetiu  of  a  wise  and  libo- 
raJ  government,  will,  1  flatter  myswli  sooner  or  later, 
convince  my  countrymen  that  I  could  nave  no  sinistei 
views  in  delivering  with  so  little  reserve,  the  opinions 
contained  in  this  address. 

"  There  are  four  things  which  I  humbly  conceive 
Are  essential  to  the  well  being,  I  may  even  venture  t« 


4b  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.         [1783 

say,  to  the  existence  of  the  Unued  S'ates,  ac  an  inde 
pendent  power. 

"  1st.  An  indissoluble  union  of  the  states  under  on» 
federal  head. 

"  2dly.     A  sacred  regard  to  publick  justice. 

"  3d'}  The  adoption  of  a  proper  peace  establish- 
ment. And, 

"  4thly.  The  prevalence  of  that  pacifick  and  friend- 
ly disposition  among  the  people  of  the  United  States, 
which  \yill  induce  them  to  forget  their  local  prejudices 
and  policies,  to  make  those  mutual  concessions  which 
are  requisite  to  the  general  prosperity,  and,  in  some 
instances,  to  sacrifice  their  individual  advantages  to 
the  interest  of  the  community. 

"  These  are  the  pillars  on  which  the  glorious  fa- 
brick  of  our  independency  and  national  character 
must  be  supported.  Liberty  is  the  basis,  and  whoever 
would  dare  to  sap  the  foundation,  or  overturn  the 
structure,  undef  whatever  specious  pretext  he  may  at- 
tempt it,  will  merit  the  bitterest  execration  and  the 
severest  punishment  which  can  be  inflicted  by  his  in- 
jured country.'' 

Having  dilated  on  these  subjects,  the  letter  was 
thus  concluded : 

"  I  have  thus  freely  disclosed  what  I  wished  to 
make  known  before  I  surrendered  up  my  publick  trust 
to  those  who  committed  it  to  me :  the  task  is  now 
accomplished.  I  now  bid  adieu  to  your  Excellency,  as 
the  Chief  Magistrate  of  your  state  ;  at  the  same  time 
1  bid  a  last  farewell  to  the  cares  of  offic  5,  and  all  the 
employments  of  publick  life. 

"  It  remains,  then,  to  ba  my  final  and  only  request, 
that  your  Excellency  will  comiuunicata  these  senti- 
ments to  your  Legislature,  at  their  next  meeting ; 
»nd  that  they  may  be  considered  as  the  Legacy  of  one 
who  has  ardently  wished,  on  all  occasions,  to  be  useful 
to  his  country,  and  who  even  in  the  F hade  of  retire- 


x733.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  <n 

ment,  will  not  fail  to  implore  the  divine  benediction 
upon  it. 

"  I  now  make  it  my  earnest  prayer,  that  God  would 
have  you,  and  the  state  over  which  you  preside,  in  his 
holy  protection  ;  that  he  would  incline  the  hearts  of 
the  citizens  to  cultivate  a  spirit  of  subordination  and 
obedience  to  government ;  to  entertain  a  brotherly  af- 
fection and  love  for  one  another,  for  their  fellow  citi 
lens  of  the  United  States  at  large  ;  and  particularly 
for  their  brethren  who  have  served  in  the  field  ;  and 
finally,  that  he  would  most  graciously  be  pleased  to 
dispose  us  all  to  do  justice,  to  love  mercy,  and  to  de- 
mean ourselves  with  that  charity,  humility,  and  paci- 
fick  temper  of  mind,  which  were  the  ch'araclcristicks 
of  the  divine  Author  of  our  bl«sscd  religion;  without 
a  humble  imitation  of  whose  example,  in  these  things, 
we  can  never  hope  to  be  a  happy  nation." 

FroHi  this  time  the  disbanding  the  army  engrossed 
the  attention  cf  Congress  and  of  the  Commander  in 
Chief.  No  funds  were  established  to  discharge  the 
five  years  commutation.  Large  arrearages  of  pay 
were  due  to  officers  and  privates,  and  it  was  not  in  the 
power  of  government  to  advance  them  money  even  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  journey  to  their  homes 
To  disband  the  army  in  a  body  under  these  circum 
stances,  was  deemed  a  measure  of  too  great  hazard. 
Congress  therefore  directed  the  General  not  to  give 
discharges  to  the  troops  which  were  enlisted  for  the 
war,  until  the  definite  articles  of  peace  should  be  sign- 
ed ;  but  to  grant  furloughs  to  all  non-commisioned  of- 
ficers and  soldiers  of  this  description,  who  desired  them  j- 
und  they  were  not  ordered  to  rejoin  their  regiments. 

Alaimed  at  this  measure,  the  Generals,  and  officert 
commanding  regiments  and  corps  on  the  Hudson,  pre- 
sen'ed  an  affectionate  and  respectful  address  to  the 
Commander  in  Chief,  in  which  they  expressed  a  duti- 
ful attachment  to  the  government,  but  mentioned  that 
after  the  late  resolution  of  Congress,  they  "  confident- 


48  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1783 

!y  expected  that  their  accounts  would  be  liquidated, 
the  balances  ascertained,  and  adeq-iate  fund*,  for  the 
payment  of  those  balances  provided,  before  they  should 
be  dispersed  or  disbanded."  On  the  succeeding  day.  in 
answer  to  their  address,  he  observed,  ':  that  as  no  man 
could  possibly  be  better  acquainted  thin  himself,  with 
the  past  merits  and  services  of  the  army,  so  no  one 
>.ould  possibly  be  more  strongly  impressed  with  their 
present  ineligible  situation  ;  feel  a  keener  sensibility  at 
their  distresses  ;  or  more  ardently  desire  to  alleviate 
or  remove  them."  He  subjoined. 

"  Although  the  officers  of  the  army  very  well  know 
my  official  situation,  that  I  am  only  a  servant  of  the 
publick,  and  that  it  is  not  with  me  to  dispense  with 
orders  which  it  is  my  duty  to  carry  into  execution,  yet 
as  furloughs  in  all  services  are  considered  as  a  matter 
of  indulgence,  and  not  of  compulsion  ;  as  Congress,  I 
am  persuaded,  entertained  the  best  disposition  towaida 
the  army  ;  and,  as  I  apprehend,  in  a  very  short  time 
the  two  principal  articles  of  complaint  will  be  removed  ; 
until  the  further  pleasure  of  Congress  can  be  known, 
I  shall  nut.  hesitate  to  comply  with  the  wishes  of  the 
army,  under  these  reservations  only,  that  officers  suf- 
ficient to  conduct  the  men  who  choose  to  receive  fur- 
loughs, will  attend  them,  either  on  furlough,  or  by  de- 
tachment." 

This  answer  proved  satisfactory  ;  good  humour  pre- 
vailed through  the  camp,  furloughs  were  generally 
taken  ;  and  in  the  course  of  the  summer,  the  greater 
part  of  the  soldiers  returned  quietly  home. 

In  October,  Congress  issued  a  proclamation,  de- 
claring all  those  soldiers,  who  had  engaged  for  the  war, 
discharged  on  the  3d  of  December. 

While  the  veteran  troops,  who  had  homo  the  heat 
and  burden  of  the  war,  left  the  service  unpaid,  and 
peaceably  returned  to  the  business  of  private  life  , 
about  eighty  new  levies,  stationed  at  Lancaster  in  Penn 
sylvania,  revolted  from  their  officers,  and  in  a  bodj 


1783.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  43 

marched  to  Philadelphia.  Being  there  joined  by  two 
hundred  of  their  companions  in  arms  who  were  quar- 
tered in  the  barracks,  they  surrounded,  with  fixed  bay- 
onets, the  State  House,  in  which  Congress  and  the  Ex- 
ecutive Council  of  Pennsylvania  were  sitting,  and  sent 
in  a  written  message  threatening  the  Council  with  the 
last  outrage,  if  their  demands  were  not,  in  twenty  mi- 
nutes, granted.  The  mombors  of  Congress  were  not 
immediately  menacpd,  but  they  were,  for  several  hnurs, 
insolently  blocked  up  in  their  hall. 

As  soon  as  General  WASHINGTON  received  intelli 
gence  of  the  mutiny,  he  detached  General  Howe  with 
fifteen  hundred  men  to  suppress  it ;  but  before  lie 
reached  Philadelphia,  the  disturbance  was  without 
bloodshed  quieted.  In  a  letter  to  Congress,  General 
WASHINGTON  thus  expressed  his  indignation  at  this 
outrage  of  the  military. 

"  While  I  suffer  the  most  poignant  distress  in  observ- 
ing that  a  handful  of  men,  contemptible  in  numbers, 
and  equally  so  in  point  of  service,  (if  the  veteran  troops 
from  the  southward  have  not  been  seduced  by  their 
example)  and  who  are  not  worthy  to  be  called  soldiers, 
should  disgrace  themselves  and  their  country,  as  the 
Pennsylvania  mutineers  have  done,  by  insulting  the 
sovereign  authority  of  the  United  States,  and  that  of 
their  own,  I  feel  an  inexpressible  satisfaction,  that  even 
this  behaviour  cannot  slain  the  name  of  the  American 
soldiery.  It  cannot  be  impotable  to,  or  reflect  dis>io 
nour  on  the  army  at  large,  bti  on  'the  contrary  it  will 
by  the  striking  contrast  it  exhibits,  hold  up  to  pviblick 
vi«»w  the  other  troops  in  the  most  advantageous  point 
of  light.  Upon  taking  all  the  circumstances  into  con- 
sideration, I  cannot  sufficiently  express  my  surprise 
and  indignation  at  the  arrogance,  the  folly,  and  tha 
wickedness  of  the  mutineers  ;  nor  can  1  sufficiently 
admire  the  fidelity,  the  bravery,  and  patriotism  whi^h 
must  for  ever  signalize  the  unsullind  character  of  tha 
other  corps  of  our  army.  For  when  we  consider  thai 

VOL.  31.  5 


60  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [ITE's 

these  Pennsylvania  levies^  who  have  now  mutinied, 
are  recruits,  and  soldiers  of  a  clay,  who  have  not  borne 
the  heat.an'l  burden  of  the  war,  and  who  can  have,  in 
reality,  very  few  hardships  to  complain  of;  and  when 
Wt  at  the  same  time  recollect  that  those  soldiers,  who 
have  lately  been  furloughed  from  this  army,  are  the 
veterans  who  have  patiently  endured  hunger,  naked- 
ness, and  cold  ;  who  have  suffered  and  bled  without  a 
murmur,  and  who  with  perfect  good  order,  have  re- 
tired to  their  homes,  without  a  settlement  of-their  ac- 
counts, or  a  farthing  of  money  in  their  pockets  ;  we 
shall  be  as  much  astonished  at  the  virtues  of  the  latter, 
as  we  are  struck  with  horrour  and  detestation  at  the 
proceedings  of  the  former  ;  and  every  candid  mind, 
without  indulging  ill  grounded  prejudices,  will  un- 
doubtedly make  the  proper  discrimination.1' 

On  the  2~>th  of  November,  the  British  troops  evacu- 
ated New-York.  General  WASHINGTON,  accompanied 
by  Governour  Clinton,  by  a  number  of  other  civil  and 
military  officers,  and  by  many  respectable  citizens, 
make  his  publick  entry  on  horseback  into  the  city. 

His  military  course  bring  honourably  and  success- 
fully terminated,  the  painful  task  remained  to  bid  adieu 
to  the  companions  of  his  toils  and  dangers.  The  clos- 
ing interview  took  place  on  the  4th  of  December.  At 
noon  the  principal  officers  of  the  army  assembled  at 
Francis's  tavern,  and  their  General  soon  entered  the 
room.  His  emotions  were  too  great  for  concealment 
Filling  a  glass  of  wine  he  turned  to  them  and  said, 
"  With  a  heart  full  of  love  and  gratitude,  I  now  ta';e 
leave  of  you  ;  I  most  devoutly  wish  that  your  latter 
days  may  be  as  prosperous  and  happy,  as  your  former 
ones  have  been  glorious  and  honourable."  He  drank 
the  wine,  and  proceeded.  "  I  cannot  come  to  each  of 
you  to  take  my  leave,  but  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  if 
each  of  you  will  come  and  take  me  by  the  hand.' 
General  Knox  being  the  nearest,  turned  to  him.  In- 
capable \>f  utterance,  General  WASHINGTON  grasped 


1783.1  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  5\ 

his  hand  and  embraced  him.  In  the  same  affecting 
manner,  ho  took  leave  of  each  succeeding  officer. 
From  every  eye  dropped  the  tsar  of  sensibility,  and  not 
a  single  word  interrupted  the  tenderness  of  the  scene. 
He  immediately  left  the  room,  and  passed  through  a 
corps  of  light  infantry,  on  his  way  to  White  Hall, 
where  a  barge  waited  to  convey  him  to  Powles'  Hook. 
The  whole  company  followed  with  feelings  which 
words  cannot  express.  Having  entered  the  barge,  he 
turned,  and  waving  his  hat,  bade  them  a  silent  adieu 

Congress  'was  then  in  session  at  Annapolis.  To 
this  honourable  body,  the  General  immediately  re- 
paiied  to  resign  his  military  command.* 

*  On  his  way  to  Annapolis-,  he  stopped  at  Philadelphia  to 
settle  his  accounts  ;  of  which  transaction  Dr.  Gordon  makes 
the  (allowing  statement. 

"  While  in  the  city,  he  delivered  in  his  accounts  to  the 
Comptroller,  down  to  Deceml>erJ3th,  all  in  his  own  hand-writ- 
ing, and  every  entry  made  in  the  most  particular  manner,  stat- 
ing the  occasion  of  each  charge,  so  as  to  give  the  least  trou 
ble  in  examining  and  comparing  them  with  the  vouchers, 
wkh  which  they  were  attended. 

T!u  heads  an  as  follow* ,  copied  from  lite  folio  manuscript  pa- 
per bonk  in  the  jilt  of  the  treasury  ojf.cf,  No.  3700,  being  a 
black  box  of  tin,  containing,  under  lock  and  key,  both  tliat 
and  the  vouchers. 

Total  of  Expenditures  from  1775  to  17(33,  ex- 
clusive of  Provisions  from  Commissaries  and 
Contractors,  and  of  liquors,  &.C.  from  them 

and  others, £3387  14  •» 

*  Secret  intelligence  and  service, 1982  100 

Spent  in  reconnoitring  and  travelling,    ....    1874    8  8 

Miscellaneous  charges, 2952  10  1 

Expended  besides,  dollar*  according  to  the  scale 
of  depreciation,      .    .         bi!4  14  0 


£16,311   17  1 

*•'  Two  hundred  guineas  advanced  to  General  M'DnugaJ  are  not 
included  in  tho  £l982  10,  not  being  yot  settled,  but  included  ia 
•onie  of  tho  other  charges,  and  BO  reckoned  in  the  general  sum." 


IS  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1783 

He  arrived  on  the  19th,  and  on  the  next  day  inform- 
ed Congress  of  his  desire  to  resign  into  their  hands  the 
commission  with  which  they  had  invested  him  as-Cuin- 
mander  in  Chief  of  the  American  armies  ;  and  he. ask 
ed  in  what  form  he  should  present  his  resignation 
Congress  resolved  that  it  should  be  at  a  publick  audi 
•nre  on  the  succeeding  Tuesday.  When  the  moment 
cf  this  interesting  transaction  arrived,  the  gallery  waa 
crowded  with  spectators ;  and  many  of  the  civil  offi- 
cers of  the  state  and  of  the  principal  officers  cf  the 

Note.  104,364  of  the  dollars  wpre  received  after  March, 
1780.  and  although  credited  forty  for  one,  many  did  not  fetch 
at  the  rate  of  a  hundred  for  one,  while  27,775  of  them  are  re- 
turned without  deducting  any  thir.g  from  the  above  acroum 
(and,  iherelwv,  actually  made  a  present  of  to  the  publick.) 
(General  WASHINGTON'S  account)  from  June, 

1775,  to  the  end  of  June,  1783,  ....  £16,31117' 
Expenditure  from  July  1,  1783,  to  December 

13, 1717    6  4 

fAtii led  afterwards)  from  thence  to  December 

28, 213    8  4 

Mrs.  Washington's  travelling  expenses  in  com- 
ing to  the  General  and  returning,     1064     10 


£I[),J06  11  9 

Lawful   money  of  Virginia,  the   same  as   the 
Massachusetts,  or  £14,479  18  9^,  sterling. 

"  The  General  entered  in  his  hook — "  1  find,  upon  the  final 
adjustiiM  ill  of  these  accounts,  tha1  1  am  a  considerable  loser 
— niv  disbursements  (blling  a  good  deal  short  of  mv  receipts, 
awl  lire  money  1  had  upon  hand  of  my  own:  for  besides  me 
j:<ms  1  carried  with  me  to  Cambridge,  in  1775  I  received 
.notres  afterwards  on  private  account  in  T777,  and  since  which 
except  snail  sums  that  I  had  occasion  to  apply  to  private 
uses)  were  all  expended  in  the  publick  service;  ihr:>ngh  iiur 
ry  I  suppose,  and  tlie  perplexity  of  business  ('or  1  fc'iow  mv 
IUAV  el.se  to  account  lor  the  deficiency)  I  have  omitted  u 
i barge  the  same,  whilst  every  debit  against  me.  is  here  credit 
•d.  July  1,  17C3." 


1783.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  53 

army,  the  French  Consul  General,  and  a  large  body  of 
respectable  citizens  were  admitted  to  the  floor  of  the 
Hall.  The  members  of  Congress,  representing  the 
sovereignty  of  the  nation,  were  seated  and  covered. 
At  twelve  o'clock,  General  WASHINGTON  was  intro- 
duced and  conducted  to  a  chair.  After  a  short  inter- 
val the  Secretary  commanded  silence.  The  President 
then  informed  the  general,  "  that  the  United  States  in 
Congress  assembled,  were'  prepared  to  receive  his  com- 
munications." With  dignity  of  manner  suited  to  the 
occasion,  he  arose  and  addressed  them  : 
"  Mr.  PRESIDENT, 

"  The  great  events,  on  which  my  resignation  depend- 
ed, having  at  length  taken  place,  I  have  now  the  ho- 
nour of  offering  my  sincere  congratulations  to  Con- 
gress, and  of  presenting  myself  before  them  to  surren- 
der into  their  hands  the  trust  committed  to  me,  and 
to  claim  the  indulgence  of  retiring  from  the  service  of 
my  country. 

"  Happy  in  the  confirmation  of  our  independence 
and  sovereignty,  and  pleased  with  the  opportunity  af- 
forded the  United  States  of  becoming  a  respectable 
nation,  I  resign,  with  satisfaction,  the  appointment  I 
accepted  with  diffidence  ;  a  diffidence  in  my  abilities 
to  accomplish  so  arduous  a  task,  which,  however,  was 
superseded  by  a  confidence  in  the  rectitude  of  our 
cause,  the  support  of  the  supreme  power  of  the  Union, 
and  the  patronage  of  Heaven. 

"  The  successful  termination  of  the  war  has  verified 
the  most  sanguine  expectations  ;  and  my  gratitude  for 
the  interposition  of  Providence,  and  the  assistance  1 
have  received  from  my  countrymen,  increases  with 
every  review  of  the  momentous  contest. 

"  While  I  repeat  my  obligations  to  the  army  in  ge 
neral,  I  should  do  injustice  to  my  own  feelings  not  to 
acknowledge,  in  this  place,  the  peculiar  services  and 
distinguished  merits  of  the  gentlemen  who  have  boon 
attached  to  my  person  during  the  war.  It  was  mpos- 
5* 


t>4  LIFK  OF  WASHINGTON.  [l~tt 

Bible  the  choice  of  corifide.itial  officers  to  compose  my 
family  should  have  been  more  fortunate.  Permit  me, 
sir,  to  recommend  in  particular,  those  who  hive  con- 
tinued in  the  service  to  the  present  moment,  as  worthy 
of  the  favourable  notice  and  patronage  of  Congress. 

"  1  consider  it  as  an  indispensable  duty  to  close  this 
hist  solemn  act  of  my  official  life,  by  commending  the 
interests  of  our  dearest  country  to  the  protection  cf 
Almighty  God,  and  those  who  have  the  superinten- 
dence of  them  to  his  holy  keeping. 

"  Having  now  finished  the  work  assigned  me,  I  re- 
tiie  from  the  great  theatre  of  action,  and  b;-lding  an 
affectionate  farewell  to  this  august  body,  under  .wnose 
orders  I  have  so  long  actedj  here  oiler  my  cominis 
sicn,  and  take  my  leave  of  all  the  employments  of 
publick  life.'' 

Having  advanced  to   the    chair   and   delivered  the 
President   his  Commission,  he  received  from  him  the 
following  reply  : 
"  SIR, 

"  The  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  re- 
ceive, with  emotions  too  affecting  for  utterance,  the 
solemn  resignation  of  the  authorities  under  which  you 
have  led  their  troops  with  success,  through  a  perilous 
and  a  doubtful  war. 

"  Called  upon  by  your  country  to  defend  its  invaded 
rights,  you  accepted  the  sacred  charge,  before  it  had 
formed  alliances,  and  whilst  it  was  without  funds  or  a  * 
government  to  support  you. 

"  You  have  conducted  the  great  military  contest 
with  wisdom  and  fortitude,  invariably  regarding  the 
rights  of  the  civil  power,  through  all  disasters  and 
changes.  You  have  by  the  love  and  confidence  of 
your  fellow  citizens,  enabled  them  to  display  their 
martial  genius,  and  transmit  their  fame  to  posterity. 
You  have  persevered,  till  these  United  Slates,  aided  by 
a  magnanimous  king  and  nation,  have  been  en;  bled 
under  a  just  P-ovidence,  ta  close  the  war  in  freodf«n« 


1783.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  bo 

safety,  and  independence  ;  en  which  happy  event,  we 
sincerely  join  you  in  congratulations. 

"  Having  defended  the  standard  of  liberty  in  thii 
new  world  ;  having  taught  a  lesson  useful  to  tho«e 
who  inflict,  and  to  those  wh6  feel  oppression,  you  re- 
tire from  the  great  theatre  of  action,  with  the  bless- 
ings of  your  fellow  citizens  ;  but  the  glory  of  yonr 
vi-tues  will  not  terminate  with  your  military  com 
maud  ;  it  will  continue  to  animate  remotest  ages. 

"  We  feel,  with  you,  our  obligations  to  the  army  in 
general,  and  will  particulary  charge  ourselves  with  the 
interests  of  those  confidential  officers,  who  have  at 
tended  your  person  to  this  affecting  moment. 

"  We  join  you  in  commending  the  interests  of  our 
dearest  country  to  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  be- 
seeching him  to  dispose  the  hearts  and  minus  of  its 
citizens,  to  improve  the  opportunity  afforded  them  of 
becoming  a  happy  and  respectable  nation.  And  for 
you.  we  address  to  him  our  earnest  prayers,  that- a  life 
so  beloved,  may  be  fostered  with  all  his  care  ;  that 
your  days  may  be  as  happy  as  they  have  been  illustri- 
ous ;  and  that  he  will  finally  give  you  that  reward 
which  this  world  cannot  give." 

The  General  immediately  retired  from  the  hall  of 
Congress.  The  minds  of  the  spectators  were  deeply 
impressed  by  ihe  scene.  The  recollection  of  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  country  at  the  time  the  commission 
was  accepted,  the  events  that  had  since  taken  place, 
ant:  the  glorious  issue  of  the  conflict  conspired  to  give 
tne'  scene  the  most  lively  interest. 

His  country  being  exalted  to  the  dignity  of  a  sove- 
reign and  independent  nation,  General  WASHINGTON 
with  great  satisfaction  re^ignad  the  arduous  duties  and 
high  responsibility  of  his  military  command.  Ho  re- 
paired to  Mount  Vernon,  in  the  delightful  prospect  of 
spending  the  residue  of  his  days  in  the  bosom  of  do- 
niestick  life. 

With    an    immaculate    character    he    had    passed 


66  LIFE   OF  WASHINGTON.  [178* 

through  all  the  complicated  tra.isactions  of  a  revolu- 
tionary war  ;  and  l»ad  established  an  immortal  reputa- 
tion as  a  soldier  and  a  patriot,  throughout  the  '.vilized 
world.  To  his  retirement  he  carried  the  piofound 
veneration  and  must  lively  affection  of  his  grateful  rnun 
trymen.  In  the  estimation  of  his  friends,  the  measure 
of  his  honour  was  full.  The  extent  of  their  wishes 
was,  that  no  unpropitious  event  might  take  place  to 
tarnish  the  lu.stro  of  his  reputation  ;  but  that  in  peace 
he-  might  descend  to  the  grave,  with  his  laurel  crawn 
unladed  on  his  head. 


CHAPTER  X. 


General  Washington  in  Retirement  —  Ilia  Pursuits  —  Votes  of  Con 
Sirs*  ami  of  iho  !<r<r>«lalure  of  Virginia  resecting  Mm  —  His 
Visitors  and  CorrenpoMdcnU—  Uii  Plans  to  improve  the  Navi- 
gation of  th«!  Potoiniu-k  an<l  James'  Rivers—  Dt-dines  the  grant  uf 
Virginia  —  His  Advice  to  the  Cincinnati—  Plate  of  Pul)!ick  AH'ain 
—  National  ('invention  —  (Jeneral  Washington  its  Pr-i.ici  •  — 


Federal  Const 
ington  rec|tie- 
is  chosen  Prea 


lutjon  rrcomiuonded  ami  adopted — General  W..sh- 


•il  t 


to  ailmiinst 


;l«nl  of  the  Uniir.l  ^i. 


the  (ioi-'irniniMiT — lie 
out    fc.r  tin1 


of  Governmii  t — Attention  shown  him  on  his   journey — !ii«  Re- 
ception at  Now- York. 

J784.  PEACE  being  restored  to  his  country  upon 
the  broad  basis  of  Independence,  General  WASHINGTON 
with  supreme  delight  retired  to  the  pursuits  of  private 
life.  In- a  letter  to  Governour  Clinton,  written  three 
days  after  his  arrival  at  Mount  Verrion,  he  thus  ex- 
pressed the  grateful  feelings  of  hi*  heart  on  I -ling 
relievpd  from  the  weight  of  his  publick  station.  "  The 
scene  is  at  length  closed.  I  feel  myself  eased  of  a  load 
of  publick  care,  and  hope  to  spend  the  remnindor  of  my 
days  in  cultivating  the  affections  of  good  men,  and  in 
the  practice  of  ttte  domestick  virtues." 

This  sentiment  was  more  fully  expressed  to  th« 
Marquis  La  Fayette.  "  I  have  become  a  priva'.c  qiti- 
ten  on  the  baiuts  of  the  Potomack,  and  under  the  sha- 


1784.]  LI»  E  OF  WASHINGTON.  57 

dow  of  my  own  vine  and  own  fig  tree,  free  from  the 
nustle  of  a  camp,  and  the  busy  scenes  of  publick  life, 
I  BJII  solacing  myself  with  those  tranquil  enjoyments, 
of  which  the  soldier  who  is  ever  in  pursuit  of  fame, 
the  statesman  whoae  watchful  days  and  sleepless'nig'nts 
aro  spent  in  devising  schemes  to  promote  the  welfare 
of  his  own,  perhaps  the  ruin  of  other  countries  (as  if 
the  globe  was  insurUftient  for  us  all)  and  the  courtier 
wht  is  always  watching  the  countenance  of  his  Prince 
in  the  hope  of  catching  a  gracious  smile,  can  have 
very  little  conception.  I  have  not  only  retired  from 
all  publick  employments,  but  am  retiring  within  my- 
ifelf,  and  shall  be  able  to  view  the  solitary  walk  and 
tread  the  paths  of  private  life  with  heart-felt  satisfac- 
tion. Envious  of  none,  I  am  determined  to  be  pleased 
with  all  ;  and  this,  my  dear  friend,  being  the  order  of 
my  march,  I  will  move  down  the  stream  of  life,  until 
t  sleep  with  my  fathers." 

But  delighted  as  ho  was  with  his  domestick  enjoy- 
ments, he  found  it  lobe  the  work  of  time  todivesthim- 
self  of  the  feelings  and  habits  formed  in  his  publick 
station.  "  1  am  just  beginning,"  said  he  in  a  letter  to 
a  friend,  "  to  experience  the  ease  and  freedom  from 
publick  cares,  which,  however  desirable,  takes  some 
time  to  realize  ;  for  strange  as  it  may  seem,  it  is  ne- 
vertheless true,  that  it  was  not  until  lately  I  could  get 
the  better  of  my  usual  custom  of  ruminating  as  soon 
as  I  awoke  in  the  morning,  on  the  business  of  the  en- 
Buing  day  ;  and  of  my  surprise  at  finding,  after  revolv- 
ing many  things  in  my  mind,  that  1  was  no  longer  a 
publick  man,  or  had  any  thing  to  do  with  publick  trans- 
actions. I  feel,  now  however,  as  I  conceive  a  wearied 
traveller  vnust  do,  who,  after  treading  many  a  painful 
step  with  a  heary  burden  on  his  shoulders,  is  eased  of 
the  latter,  having  reached  the  haven  to  which  all  the 
former  were  directed,  and  from  his  house-top  is  looking 
back  and  tracing  with  an  eager  eye,  the  meanders  by 
which  he  escaped  the  quicksands  and  mires  whicn  lay 


68  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1784 

in  his  way,  and  into  which  none  but  the  u.<l-powerful 
Guide  arid  Dispenser  ofhumai  events  could  have  pre- 
vented his  falling." 

Soon  afler  the  proclamation  of  peace,  Congress 
unanimously  resolved  toerect  at  the  place  which  should 
be  established  as  the  permanent  seat  of  government, 
an  equestrian  statue  of  General  WASHINGTON  This 
resolution, however,  has  not  yet  been  carried  iu.o  effect. 

Virginia  also  bore  an  honourable  testimony  of  the 
«ense  entertained  *>f  the  services  of  her  distinguished 
citizen.  In  a  spacious  area  in  the  centre  of  the  capi- 
tal of  that  state,  she  erected  a  marble  statue  of  him, 
with  the  following  inscription  on  its  pedestal. 

"The  General  Assembly  of  .the  Commonwealth  of 
Virginia  have  caused  this  statue  to  be  erected  as  a 
monument  of  affection  and  gratitude  to  GF.OKGK 
WASHINGTON,  who,  uniting  in  the  endowments 
of  the  LIE  HO  the  virtues  of  the  PATRIOT,  and  ex- 
erting both  in  the  establishment  of  the  liberties  of  his 
country,  has  rendered  his  namo  dear  to  his  fellow  c it i- 
rens.  and  given  the  world  an  immortal  example  of 
true  glory." 

In  addition  to  these  expressions  of  publick  venera- 
tion, innumerable  addresses  from  literaiy  and  other 
incorporations  were  presented  to  him,  which,  in  ar- 
dent language,  expressed  the  veneration  universally 
felt  for  his  character,  and  the  admiration  entertained 
for  his  services.  His  well-balanced  mind  borr  these 
publick  and  private  honours  without  a  symptom  of 
vanity  or  pride. 

•  The  pursuits  of  General  WASHINS.-OS  at  this  period 
were  a  renewal  of  habits,  formed  at  an  earlier  part  of 
life,  and  a  recurrence  to  employments  in  which  he 
ever  took  delight;  and  he  experienced  nothing  of 
that  dissatisfaction  and  listlessness  of  which  gentlemen 
often  complain,  who  leave  the  cares  of  a  publick  sta 
lion  for  the  tranquil  scenes  of  retirement.  The  im- 
provement of  American  husbandry  engaged  his  cl.isa 


• 


1784.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  50 

attention,  and  in  the  prosecution  of  plans  adapted  to 
this  purpose,  he  entered  into  a  correspondence  with 
Mr.  Arthur  Young,  and  other  distinguished  European 
ogriculturists.  The  result  ol  their  information,  and 
of  his  own  experience,  he  applied,  to  amend  his  farm- 
ing implements,  to  improve  his  breed  of  cattle,  and  in 
various  experiments,  suited  to  the  soil  he  cultivated. 
The  plans  which  succeeded  with  him,  he  recommend 
ed  to  the  farmers  around  him. 

But  even  in  the  shade  of  Mount  Vernon,  the  time 
of  General  WASHINGTON  was  not  wholly  at  his  own 
disposal.  Every  foreigner  of  distinction  who  visited 
the  United  States  was  urgent  for  an  introduction  to 
the  late  Commander  in  Chief;  and  every  American 
of  any  consequence,  who  was  about  to  cross  the  At- 
lar.tick,  was  ambitious  to  obtain  letters  from  him  to 
celebrated  characters  in  Europe.  With  numbers  of 
the  officers  of  the  late  army,  with  many  of  the  politi 
cal  characters  of  his  own  country,  and  with  several  emi- 
nent individuals  of  Europe,  he  held  a  correspondence 
Ceremonious  visitors  and  officious  correspondents  be- 
came oppressive  to  him,  and  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  he 
thus  complained  of  the  burden  of  them.  "  It  is  not,  my 
dear  Sir,  the  letters  of  my  friends  which  give  me  trou 
ble,  or  add  ought  to  my  perplexity.  I  receive  them  with 
pleasure,  and  pav  as  much  attention  to  them  as  my  avo- 
cations will  permit.  It  is  references  to  old  matters  with 
which  I  have  nothing  to  do  ;  applications  which  often 
times  cannot  be  complied  with  ;  inquiries  to  satisfy 
which  would  employ  the  pen  of  an  historian  ;  letters  of 
compliment,  as  unmeaning,  perhaps,  as  they  are  trou 
blesome,  but  which  must  be  attended  to  ;  and  the  com- 
mon place  business,  which  employ  my  pen  and  my 
time,  often  disagreeably.  Indeed  these,  with  compa 
ny,  deprive  n  e  of  exercise  ;  and  uniess  I  can  obtain 
relief,  must  be  productive  of  disagreeable  consequen- 
ces. Already,  1  begin  to  feel  their  effects.  Heavy 
and  gainful  oppressions  of  the  head,  and  other  disa 


60  MFL  OF   WASHINGTON.  [1784. 

precab.e  sensations  often  trouble  me.  I  am  therefore 
determined  to  employ  sqme  persi/n  who  shall  case  me 
of^th'  driidtrertj  of  this  business. — To  correspond  with 
those  I  love,  is  among  my  highest  gratifications.  Let- 
ters of  friendship  require  no  study  ;  the  communica- 
tions they  contain  flow  with  ease  ;  tmd  allowances  are 
expected -and  are  maf'.e.  But  this  is  not  the  case  with 
those  which  require  research,  consideration,  and  re- 
collection." At  length  he  engaged  a  young  gentle- 
man of  talents  and  education,  w';o  relieved  him  from 
a.  great  part  of  these  irksome  attentic-is. 

The  patriot'ek  mind  of  General  WASHINGTON  could 
not  however  be  engrossed  by  his  own  concerns.  In 
his  retirement,  he  with  solicitude  watched  over  the 
interests  of  his  country.  The  improvement  of  its  in- 
land navigation  early  engaged  his  reflections.  Plans 
which  the  war  had  interrupted,  were  now  resumed 
upon  an  enlarged  scale.  This  year  he  visited  the  west- 
ern country  as  far  as  Pittsburof,  and  having  collected 
the  necessary  information,  he  opened  his  scheme  to 
Mr.  Harrison,  then  Governour  of  Virginia.  This 
was  to  render  the  rivers  Potomack  and  James  naviga- 
ble as  high  as  practicable  ;  to  take  accurate  surveys 
of  the  country  between  these  rivers  and  the  streams 
which  empty  into  the  Ohio,  and  find  the  most  advan- 
tageous portages  between  them  ;  to  survey  tiie  waters 
west  of  th'e  Ohio,  which  empty  into  the  lakes ;  and  to 
open  such  inland  navigation  between-  these  waters,  as 
would  secure  the  trade  of  the  western  country  to  Vir- 
ginia _and  Maryland.  "  Nature,"  he  observed,  "  had 
made  such  an  ample  display  of  her  bounties  in  those 
regions,  that  the  more  the  country  waa  explored  tho 
more  it  would  rise  in  estimation."  He  was  persuaded 
that  Pennsylvania  and  New- York  would  adopt  mea- 
sures, to  direct  the  trade  of  that  country  to  their  sea 
ports,  and  he  was  anxious  that  his  native  stnte  should 
seasonably  avail  herself  of  the  advantages  she  possess- 
ed to  secure  her  share  in  it  "  I  am  not,"  he  decV.oJ, 


178-1.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Cl 

"  for  discouraging  the  exertions  of  any  state  to  draw 
the  commerce  of  the  western  country  to  its  see,- 
porto  The  more  communications  we  open  to  it,  the 
closer  wo  bind  that  rising  world,  (for  it  indeed  may  be 
BO  called)  to  our  interests,  anj  the  greater  strength 
shall  we  acquire  by  it.  Those  to  whom  nature  affords 
ths  best  communication,  will,  if  they  are  wise,  enjoy 
thi  greatest  share  of  the  trade.  All  I  would  be  u/i- 
derslood  to  mean  therefore,  is,  that  the  gifts  of  Provi- 
dence may  not  be  neglected."  But  political  motives 
had  higher  influence  in  this  transaction  than  commer- 
cial. "  I  need  not  remark  to  you,  Sir,"  said  he  in  his 
communication  to  the  Governour  of  Virginia,  "-that 
the  flanks  and  rear  of  the  United  States  are  possessed 
by  other  powers,  and  formidable  ones  too  ;  nor  need  I 
press  the  necessity  of  applying  the  cement  of  interest 
to  bind  all  parts  of  the  union  together  by  indissoluble 
bonds  ;  especially  of  binding  that  part  of  it  which  lies 
immediately  west  of  us,  to  the  middle  states.  For  what 
ties,  let  me  ask,  should  we  have  apon  those  people, 
how  entirely  unconnected  with  them  shall  wo  be,  and 
what  troubles  may  we  not  apprehend,  if  the  Spaniards 
on  their  right,  and  Great  Britain  on  their  left,  instead 
of  throwing  impediments  in  '.heir  way  as  they  now  do, 
should  hdld  ou_  lures  for  their  trade  and  alliance  i 
When  tney  get  strength,  which  will  be  sooner  than 
most  people  conceive,  what  will  be  the  consequence 
of  their  having  formed  close  commercial  connexions 
with  both,  or  either  of  those  powers,  it  needs  not,  in 
my  opinion,  the  gift  of  prophecy  to  foretell. 

"  The  western  settlers  (I  speak  now  from  my  own 
observations)  stand  as  it  were  upon  a  pivot.  The  touch 
of  a  feather  would  turn  them  any  way.  Until  the 
Spaniards  (very  unwisely  as  I  think)  threw  difficulties 
in  their  way,  they  looked  down  the  Mississippi  ;  and 
they  looked  that  way  for  no  other  reason  than  because 
they  could  gently  glide  down  the  stream  ;  without 
considering  perhaps  the  fatigues  of  the  voyage  back 

VOL.  II.  G 


B8  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1784 

again,  and  the  time  necessary  for  its  performance 
and  because  they  have  no  other  means  of  coming  to 
us.  but  by  a  long  land  transportation  through  unim- 
proved roads." 

These  recommendations  were  not  lost.  Under  the 
patronage  of  the  governments  of  Virginia  and  Mary 
land,  two  companies  were  formed  for  opening  the  navi- 
gation of  the  Potornack  and  the  James.  Of  bot.h  which 
General  WASHINGTON  consented  to  be  the  president. 
The  Legislature  of  Virginia  by  a  resolution  which 
passed  unanimously,  directed  the  treasurer  of  the  state 
M  subscribe  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  shares  in  each 
company  for  the  benefit  of  General  WASHINGTON. 
The  appropriation  was  made  in  a  manner  the  most 
affecting  to  a  noble  mind.  The  assembly  expressed  a 
wish,  that  while  the  improvements  of  their  inknd 
navigation  were  monuments  «f  his  glory,  they  might 
also  be  monuments  of  his  country's  gratitude.  The 
donation  placed  him  in  a  very  delicate  and  embarrassed 
situation.  The  ftelings  excited  by  this  generous  and 
honourable  act  of  his  state,  he  fully  expressed  to  the 
friend,  who  informed  him  of  the  passage  of  the  bill. 
"  It  is  not  easy  for  me  to  decide  by  which  my  mind 
was  most  affected  upon  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of 
the  sixth  instant — surprise  or  grat''  ^de.  Both  were 
greater  than  1  had  words  to  express.  The  attention 
and  good  wishes  which  the  assembly  has  evidenced  by 
their  act  for  vesting  in  me  one  hundred  and  fifty 
shares  in  the  navigation  of  the  rivers  Potomack  and 
James,  is  more  than  mere  compliment — there  is  an  un- 
equivocal and  substantial  meaning  annexed.  But,  be- 
lieve me,  Sir,  no  circumstance  has  happened  since  1  left 
the  walks  of  publick  life  which  has  so  mach  embarrass- 
ed me.  On  the  one  hand,  I  consider  this  act,  as  I  have 
already  observed,  as  a  noble  and  unequivocal  proof 
of  the  good  opinion,  the  affection,  and  disposition  of 
my  country  to  serve  me  ;  and  I  should  be  hurt,  if  by 
declining  the  acceptance  of  it,  my  refusal  should  INI 


/784-7.J       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  & 

construed  into  disrespect,  or  the  smallest  slight  upch 
the  general  intention  of  the  Legislature;  or  that  an 
ostentatious  display  of  disinterestedness,  or  publick 
virtue,  was  the  source  of  refusal. 

K  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  really  my  wish  to  havo 
my  mind  and  my  actions,  which  are  the  result  of  re- 
flection, as  free  ant:  independent  as  the  air,  that  1  may 
be  more  at  liberty  (in  things  which  my  opportunities 
and  experience  have  brought  rne  to  the  knowledge  of) 
to  express  rny  sentiments,  and  if  necessary,  to  suggest 
what  may  occur  to  me,  under  the  fullest  conviction 
that  although  my  judgment  may  be  arraigned,  there 
will  be  no  suspicion  that  sinister  motives  had  the  small- 
est influence  in  the  suggestion.  Not  content  then 
with  the  bare  consciousness  of  rny  having  in  all  this 
navigation  business,  acted  upon  the  clearest  convic- 
tion of  the  political  importance  of  the  measure.  I 
would  wish  that  every  individual  who  may  hear  that 
it  was  a  favourite  plan  of  mine,  may  know  also,  that 
I  had  no  other  motive  for  promoting  it,  than  the  ad 
vantage  of  which  I  conceived  it  would  bo  productive 
to  the  union  at  large,  and  to  this  state  in  particular,  by 
cementing  the  eastern  and  western  territory  together, 
at  the  same  time  that  it  will  give  vigour  and  increase 
to  our  commerce,  and  be  a  convenience  to  our  citi- 
zens. 

"  How  would  this  matter  be  viewed  then  by  the 
eye  of  the  world,  and  what  opinion  would  be  formed 
when  it  comes  to  be  related  that  G*****  \V********n 
exerted  himself  to  effect  this  work,  and  that  G***** 
W********js  has  received  twenty  thousand  dollars  and 
five,  thousand  pounds  sterling  of  the  publick  money  aa 
an  interest  therein?  Would  not  this  (if  I  api  entitled 
to  any  merit  for  the  part  1  have  performed,  and  with- 
out it  there  is  no  foundation  for  the  act)  deprive  me 
of  the  principal  thing  which  is  laudable  in  my  con- 
duct ?  Would  it  not  in  some  respects  be  considered 
Ui  the  same  V-jrht  as  a  pension  ?  And  would  not  th« 


04  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.      [1784-7 

apprehension  of  this  induce  me  to  offer  my  sentiments 
in  future  with  the  more  reluctance  ?  In  a  word  under 
whatever  pretence,  and  however  customary  these  gra 
tuities  may  be  in  other  countries,  should  I  not  thunce 
forward  be  considered  as  a  dependant  ?  One  nxoinent'a 
thought  of  which  would  give  me  more  pain  than  I 
should  receive  pleasure  from  the  product  of  all  the 
tolls,  was  every  farthing  of  them  vested  in  me." 

After  great  deliberation,  ho  determined  to  appro- 
priate the  shares  to  such  publick  uses  as  the  Legisla- 
ture should  approve.  In  communicating  this  determi- 
nation through  the  Governour,  to  the  General  As 
•Bemblv,  he  begged  him  to  assure  them  that  he  was 
"rilled  on  tho  occasion  with  every  sentiment  which  can 
How  from  a  heart,  warm  w  "H  love  to  his  country 
sensible  to  every  token  of  its  approbation  and  affection, 
*jnd  solicitous  to  testify  in  every  instance  a  respectful 
attention  to  its  wishes."  According  to  his  desire,  the 
shares  were  appropriated  to  the  support  of  a  college  in 
the  vicinity  of  each  of  those  rivers. 

The  Cincinnati  had  in  their  original  constitution 
secured  perpetuity  of  existence  to  their  society.  The 
eldest  male  posterity  of  the  officers  were  to  succeed  to 
the  places  of  their  fathers,  and  in  the  failure  of  them, 
a  collateral  branch  might  be  introduced.  Individuals 
also  of  the  respective  states,  distinguished  for  their 
talents  and  patriotism,  might  be  ndrnitted  as  honora- 
ry members  for  life.  In  this  part  of  the  institution, 
some  American  patriots  thought  they  perceived  the 
seeds  of  an  order  of  nobility,  and  publick  jsalousy  was 
excited  against  the  society.  General  WASHINGTON, 
their  President,  conceived  that  if  popular  prejudices 
could  not  be  removed,  the  society  ought  "  to  yield  to 
them  in  a  degree,  and  not  suffer  that  which  was  in- 
tended for  the  best  of  purposes  to  produce  a  bad  one.' 
On  full  inquiry,  he  found  that  objections  to  tVe  insti- 
tution were  general  throughout  the  United  States, 
under  the  apprehension  that  it  would  prove  dangerous 


,/84-7.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  65 

to  publick  liberty,  he  therefore  exerted  his  influence 
among  tin,-  officers  to  induce  them  to  drop  the  offen- 
sive part  of  the  institution,  and  at  the  annual  meeting 
in  May  17^7,  the  hereditary  principle,  and  the  power 
to  adopt  honorary  members,  were  expunged  from  the 
constitution.  This  modification  fully  removed  the 
publick  apprehension. 

Experience  proved  the  articles  under  which  the 
United  States  originally  confederated  to  be  inadequate 
tc  the  purposes  of  national  government ;  and  wise  and 
good  men  in  every  part  of  the  union  anxiously  looked 
forward  to  a  crisis  in  publick  affairs.  Many  of  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTON'S  friends  intimated  to  him  that  tho 
occasion  would  call  for  his  personal  influence.  Mr 
Jay,  in  letters  written  in  the  spring  and  summer  of 
1780,  with  feeling  described  the  state  of  the  country, 
"  You  have  wisely  retired  from  publick  employments, 
and  calmly  view  from  the  temple  of  fame,  the  various 
exertions  of  that  sovereignty  and  independence,  which 
Providence  has  enabled  you  to  be  so  greatly  and  glori- 
ously instrumental  hi  securing  to  your  country,  yet  I 
am  persuaded  that  you  cannot  view  them  with  the  eyo 
of  an  unconcerned  spectator. 

"  Experience  has  pointed  out  errours  in  our  nation- 
al government  which  call  for  correction,  and  which 
threaten  to  blast  the  fruit  we  expected  from  the  tree 
of  liberty.  An  opinion  begins  to  p-evail  that  a  general 
convention  tor  revising  the  articles  of  confederation 
would  be  expedient.  Whether  the  people  are  yet 
ripe  for  such  a  measure,  or  whether  the  system  pro- 
posed to  be  obtained  by  it  is  only  to  be  expected  troin 
calamity  and  commotion  is  difficult  to  ascertain 

"  1  think  we  are  in  a  delicate  situation,  and  a  varie 
ly  of  considerations  and  circumstances  give  me  un- 
easiness. It  is  in  contemplation  to  take  measursB  for 
forming  a  general  convention.  The  plan  is  not  ma- 
tured. If  it  should  be  well  connected  and  take  effect, 
I  am  fervent  in  rny  wishes  that  it  mav  comport  with 
6* 


ho  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1784-' 

the  line  of  life  you  have  marked  out  for  yourself,  t» 
favour  your  country  with  your  counsels  on  such  an 
important  and  single  occasion. 

"  Our  affairs  seem  to  lead  to  some  crisis,  something 
that  1  cannot  foresee  or  conjecture.  I  am  uneasy  and 
apprehensive,  more  so  than  during  the  war.  Then 
we  had  a  fixed  object,  and  though  the  means  and  time 
of  obtaining  it  were  problematical,  yet  I  did  firmly  be- 
lieve that  we  should  ultimately  succeed,  because  I  did 
firmly  believe  that  justice  was  with  us.  The  case  is 
now  altered.  We  are  going  and  doing  wrong,  and 
therefore  I  look  forward  to  evils  and  calamities,  but 
without  being  able  to  guess  at  the  instrument,  nature, 
or  measure  of  them. 

"  That  we  shall  again  recover,  and  things  again  go 
well,  I  have  no  doubt.  Such  a  variety  of  circumstan- 
ces would  not,  almost  miraculously,  have  combined  to 
liberate  and  make  us  a  nation,  for  transient  and  un- 
important purposes.  I  therefore  believe  that  we  are 
yet  to  become  a  great  and,  respectable  people  ;  but 
when  or  how,  only  the  spirit  of  prophecy  can  discern. 

"  What  I  most  fear  is,  that  the  better  kind"  of  people 
(by  which  I  mean  the  people  who  are  orderly  and  in 
dustrious,  who  are  content  with  their  situations,  and 
not  uneasy  in  their  circumstances)  will  be  led  by  the 
insecurity  of  property,  the  loss  of  confidence  in  their 
r  il«rs,  and  the  want  of  publick  faith  and  rectitude,  to 
consider  the  charms  of  liberty  as  imaginary  and  delu- 
sive. A  state  of  uncertainty  and  fluctuation  must  dis- 
gust and  alarm  such  men,  and  prepare  their  minds  for 
almost  any  change  that  may  promise  them  quiet  and 
security." 

To  these  weighty  communications  General  WAPH 
INGTON  replied. 

"  Your  sentiments  that  our  affairs  are  drawing  ra- 
pidly to  a  crisis,  accord  with  my  own.  What  the  event 
will  be,  is  also  beyond  the  reach  of  my  foresight 
We  have  errours  t«  correct ;  we  have  probably  had 


1784-7.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  67 

too  good  an  opinion  of  human  nature,  in  forming  out 
confederation.  Experience  has  taught  us  that  men 
will  not  adopt  and  carry  into  execution,  measures  tho 
best  calculated  for  their  own  good,  without  the  inter 
vent  ion  of  coercive  power.  I  do  not  conceive  we  can 
exist  long  as  a  nation,  without  lodging,  somewhere,  a 
power  which  will  pervade  the  whole  Union  in  as  ener 
getick  a  manner,  as  the  authority  of  the  state  govern 
menls  extends  over  the  several  states.  To  be  fear- 
ful of  investing  Congress,  constituted  as  that  body  is, 
with  ample  authorities  for  national  purposes,  appears 
to  me  the  very  climax  of  popular  absurdity  and  mad- 
ness. Could  Congress  exert  them  for  the  detriment 
of  the  people,  without  injuring  themselves  in  an  equal 
or  greater  proportion?  Are  not  their  interests  insepara- 
bly connected  with  those  of  their  constituents  ?  By  the 
rotation  of  appointments,  must  they  not  mingle  fre- 
quently with  the  mass  of  citizens  ?  Is  it  not  rather  to  be 
apprehended,  if  they  were  not  possessed  of  the  powers 
before  described,  that  the  individual  members  would 
be  induced  to  use  them,  on  many  occasions,  very 
timidly  and  inefficariously,  for  fear  of  losing  their 
popularity  and  future  election  ?  We  must  take  human 
nature  as  we  find  it;  perfection  falls  not  to  the  share 
of  mortals. 

"  What  then  is  to  be  done  ?  Things  cannot  go  on 
in  the  same  strain  for  ever.  It  is  much  to  be  feared,  as 
you  observe,  that  the  better  kind  of  people,  being  dis- 
gusted with  these  circumstances,  will  have  their  minda 
pre  ared  for  any  revolution  whatever.  We  are  apt  to 
run  from  one  extreme  to  another.  To  anticipate  and 
prevent  disastrous  contingencies,  would  be  the  part 
of  wisdom  and  patriotism. 

"  What  astonishing  changes  a  few  years  are  capable 
of  p'oducing  !  1  am  told  that  even  respectable  charac- 
ters speak  of  a  monarchical  form  of  government  with- 
out horrour.  From  thinking  proceeds  speaking, thence 
to  acting  is  often  but  a  single  step.  But  how  irrevoci- 


fi8  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON          [l?84--> 

ble  and  tremendous  !  what  a  triun  ph  for  our  enemies 
to  verify  their  predictions  !  what  a  triumph  for  the  ad- 
vocates of  despotism  to  find  that  we  are  incapable  of 
governing  ourselves,  and  that  systems,  founded  on  the 
basis  of  equal  liberty,  are  merely  ideal  and  fallacious  ' 
Would  to  God  that  wise  measures  may  be  taken  in 
lime  to  avert  the  consequences  we  have  but  too  much 
reason  to  apprehend. 

"  Retired  as  I  am  from  the  world,  1  frankly  acknow- 
ledge I  cannot  feel  myself  an  unconcerned  spectator. 
Yet  having  happily  assisted  in  bringing  the  ship  into 
port,  and  having  been  fairly  discharged,  it  is  not  my 
business  to  embark  again  on  the  sea  of  troubles. 

"  Nor  could  it  be  expected  that  my  sentiments  and 
opinions  would  have  much  weight  on  the  minds  of  my 
countrymen.  They  have  been  neglected,  though 
given  as  a  last  legacy  in  a  most  solemn  manner.  I  then 
perhaps  had  some  claims  to  publick  attention.  I  con- 
sider myself  as  having  none  at  present." 

When  the  plan  of  a  Convention  was  ripened,  and  its 
meeting  appointed  to  be  at  Philadelphia  in  May,  17b7j 
a  respectable  character  in  Virginia,  communicated  to 
General  WASHINGTON  the  intention  of  that  state  to 
elect  him  one  of  her  representatives,  on  this  important 
occasion.  He  explicitly  declined  being  a  candidate, 
yet  the  Legislature  placed  him  at  the  head  of  her 
delegation,  in  the  hope  that  mature  reflection  would 
induce  him  to  attend  upon  the  service.  The  Govern- 
our  of  the  state,  Mr.  Randolph,  informed  him  of  his 
.appointment,  by  the  following  letter.  "  By  the  en- 
closed act  you  will  readily  discover  that  the  Assembly 
are  alarmed  at  the  storms  whi.h  threaten  the  United 
(States.  What  our  enemies  have  foretold  seems  to  be 
hastening  to  its  accomplishment,  and  cannot  be  frus- 
trated but  by  an  instantaneous,  zealous,  and  sieady 
union  among  the  friends  of  the  federal  government 
To  you  1  need  not  press  our  present  dangers.  Tin 
(nefficacy  pf  Congress  vou  have  often  felt  in  your  offi 


1784-7.J       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ®i 

rial  character  ;  the  increasing  languor  of  our  asso 
tiated  republicks  you  hourly  see  ;  'and  a  dissolution 
would  be,  1  know,  tc  you,  a  source  of  the  deepest  mor 
tification.  I  freely  then  entreat  you  to  accept  tha 
unanimous  appointment  of  the  General  Assembly  to 
the  Convention  at  Philadelphia.  For  the  gloomy  pros- 
pect still  admits  one  ray  of  hope,  that  tho,se  who  be- 
gan, carried  on,  and  consummated  tho  revolution,  can 
yet  restore  America  from  the  impending  ruin  " 

"  Sensible  as  I  am,"  said  the  General  in  his  answer, 
u  of  the  honour  conferred  ow  me  by  the  General  As- 
sembly of  this  commonwealth,  in  appointing  me  one 
of  the  deputies  to  a  Convention  proposed  to  be  held  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia  in  May  next,  for  the  purpose 
of  revising  the  federal  constitution  ;  and  desirous  as  I 
am  OH  all  occasions  of  testifying  a  ready  obedience  to 
the  calls  of  my  co«ntry — yet,  Sir,  there  exist  at  this 
moment,  circumstances  which  I  am  persuaded  will 
render  this  fresh  instance  of  confidence  incompatible 
with  other  measures  which  I  hid  previously  adopted, 
and  from  which  seeing  little  prospect  of  disengaging 
myself,  it  would  be  disingenuous  not  to  express  a  wish 
that  some  other  character  on  whom  greater  reliance 
can  be  had,  ma}'  be  substituted  in  my  place,  the  proba- 
bility of  rny  non-attendance  being  too  great  to  con 
thine  my  appointment. 

"  As  no  mind  can  be  more  deeply  impressed  than 
mine  is  with  tho  critical  situation  of  our  affairs,  ru- 
sulting  in  a  great  measure  from  the  want  of  efficient 
powers  in  the  federal  head,  and  due  resj>ect  to  its  or- 
dinances, so  consequently  those  who  do  engage  in  the 
important  business  of  removing  these  defects,  will 
carry  with  them  every  good  wish  of  mine,  which  1h« 
best  dispositions  towards  their  obtainment  can  bestow. 

The  Governotir  declined  tho  acceptance  of  his  re 
signation  of  the  appointment,  and  beofged  him  to  sus 
spend  liis  determination  until  the  approach  of  the  pe 
riod  of  the  meeting  of  Convention  that  his  final  iud« 


70  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  f»7P7 

merit  might  be  the  result  of  a  full  acquaintance  with 
all  circumstances. 

Thus  situated,  the  General  reviewed  the  subject, 
that  he  might  upon  thorough  deliberation  make  the 
decision  which  duty  end  patriotism  enjoined.  He  had, 
by  a  ciicular  letter  to  tli«  state  societies,  declined  being 
rt  elected  the  President  of  the  Cincinnati,  and  had  an 
iw  unced  that  he  should  not  attend  their  general  meet- 
ing at  Philadelphia  on  the  next  May  ;  and  he  appre- 
hended, that  if  he  attended  the  Convention  at  tho 
time  and  place- of  their  meeting,  that  he  should  give 
offence  to  all  the  ollicers  of  the  late  army  who«com- 
posed  this  body.  He  was  under  apprehension  that  the 
states  would  not  be  generally  represented  on  this  oc- 
casion, and  tliat  a  failure  in  the  plan  would  diminish 
the  personal  influence  of  tl>ose  who  engaged  in  it. 
Some  of  his  confidential  frieiwls  were  of  opinion  that 
the  occasion  did  not  require  his  interposition,  and  that 
he  ought  to  reserve  himself  for  a  state  of  things 
which  would  unequivocally  demand  his  agency  and 
influence.  Even  on  the  supposition  that  the  plan 
should  succeed,  they  thought  that  he  ought  not  to  en- 
gage in  it ;  because  his  having  been  in  Convention 
would  obligate  him  to  make  exertions  to  carry  the 
measures  that  body  might  recommend,  into  effect, 
and  would  necessarily  "  sweep  him  into  the  tide  of 
pulilick  affairs."  His  own  experience  since  the  close 
of  the  revolutionary  war  created  in  his  mind  serioua 
doubts,  whether  the  respective  state?  would  quietly 
adop«,  any  system,  calculated  to  give  stability  and  vi 
gour  to  the  national  government.  "  As  we  could  not,'1 
to  use  his  own  language,  "  remain  quiet  more  than 
three  or  four  years  in  times  of  peace,  under  the  con- 
stitutions of  our  own  choosing,  which  were  believed 
in  many  st.ites  to  have  been  formed  with  deliberation 
and  wisdom,  I  see  little  prospeet  either  of  our  agreeing 
on  any  other,  or  that  we  should  remain  long  satisfied 
under  it.  »f  we  could  Vet  I  would  wish  ary  thing 


1787.]  LIFE  OF  WASHTNGTU1N  71 

and  every  thing  essayed  to  prevent  the  effusion  of 
blood,  and  to  divert  the  humiliating  and  contemptible 
figure  we  are  about  to  make  in  the  annals  of  n.ankind.'' 

These  considerations  operated  powerfully  to  confirm 
him  in  the  opinion  first  formed  not  to  attend  the  Con- 
vention. 

On  the  other  hand,  he  realized  the  greatness  of  the 
publick  stake.  The  confederation  was  universally 
considered  as  a  nullity..  The  advice  of  a  Convention, 
composed  of  respectable  characters  from  every  part 
of  the  union,  would  probably  have  great  influence 
with  the  community,  whether  it  should  be  to  amend 
the  articles  of  the  old  government,  or  to  form  a  new 
constitution. 

Amidst  the  various  sentiments  which  at  this  time 
prevailed,  respecting  the  state  of  publick  affairs,  many 
entejtained  the  supposition  that  the  "  times  must  be 
worse  before  they  could  be  better,"  and  that  the  Ame- 
rican people  could  be  induced  to  establish  an  efficient 
and  liberal  national  government  only  by  the  scourge 
of  anarchy.  Some  seemed  to  think  that  the  experi- 
ment of  a  republican  government  in  America  had  al- 
ready failed,  and  that  one,  more  energetick,  must  soon 
by  violence  be  introduced.  Oeneral  WASHINGTON  en- 
tertained some  apprehension,  that  his  declining  to  at- 
tend the  Convention  would  be  considered  as  a  derelic 
tion  of  republican  principles. 

While  he  was  balancing  these  opposite  circum- 
stances  in  his  mind,  the  insurrection  of  Massachusetts 
occurred,  which  turned  the  scale  of  opinion  in  favour 
of  his  joining  the  Convention.  He  viewed  this  event 
as  awfully  alarming.  "  For  God's  sake  tell  me,"  said  he 
in  a  letter  to  Colonel  Humphreys,  "  what  i«  the  cause 
of  all  these  commotions?  Do  they  proceed  from  licen- 
tiousness, British  influence  disseminated  by  the  tories 
or  real  grievances  which  admit  of  redress  ?  If  the  lat 
ter,  why  wis  redress  delayed  until  the  publick  mind 
bad  l>ecome  so  much  agitated  ?  If  the  former,  why  aro 


7?  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.         [1787 

not  the  powers  of  goveraiaent  tried  at  once  ?  It  is  aa 
well  to  be  without  as  not  to  exercise  them." 

To  General  Knoz  and  other  friends,  similar  appre- 
hensions were  expressed.  "  I  feel  infinitely  more  than 
I  can  express  to  you,  for  the  disorders  which  have 
arisen  in  these  states.  Good  God  !  who  besides  a  tory 
could  have  foreseen,  or  a  Briton  have  predicted  them  * 
i  do  assure  you  that  even  at  this  moment,  when  I  re 
fleet  upon  the  present  aspect  of  our  affairs,  it  seems 
to  me  like  the  visions  of  a  dream.  My  mind  can 
scarcely  realize  it  as  a  thing  in  actual  existence  : — So 
strange,  so  wonderful,  axes  it  appear  to  me.  In  this,  as 
in  most  other  matters,  we  are  too  slow.  When  this 
spirit  first  dawned,  it  might  probably  have  been  easily 
checked  ;  but  it  is  scarcely  within  the  reach  of  human 
ken,  at  this  moment,  to  say  when,  where,  or  how,  it 
will  terminate.  There  are  combustibles  in  every  state, 
to  which  a  spark  might  set  fire.  In  bewailing,  which 
I  have  often  done  with  the  keenest  sorrow,  the  death 
of  our  much  lamented  friend  General  Greene,  I  have 
accompanied  my  regrets  of  late  with  a  query  whether 
he  would  riot  have  preferred  such  an  exit,  to  the  scenes 
which  it  is  more  than  probable  many  of  hrs  compatriots 
may  live  to  bemoan. 

"  You  talk,  my  good  sir,  of  employing  influence  to 
appease  the  present  tumults  in  Massachusetts.  I 
know  not  where  that  influence  is  to  be  found ;  nor  if 
attainable,  that  it  would  be  a  proper  remedy  for  these 
disorders.  Influence  is  not.  government.  Let  us  have 
a  government  by  which  our  lives,  liberties,  and  proper 
ties  will  be  secured ;  or  let  us  know  the  worst  at  once. 
Under  these  impressions  my  humble  opinion  is  that 
there  is  a  call  for  decision.  Know  then  precisely  what 
the  insurgents  aim  at.  If  they  have  real  grievances, 
redress  them  if  possible  ;  or  acknowledge  the  justice 
of  them,  and  your  inability  to  do  it  in  the  present  mo- 
ment. If  they  have  not,  employ  the  foice  of  th« 
government  against  them  at  once.  If  this  is  inade 


87]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  73 

quate,  all  will  be  convinced  that  the  superstructure  is 
had,  or  wants  support.  To  be  more  exposed  in  the 
eyes  of  the  world,  and  more  contemptible  than  we  al- 
ready are,  is  hardly  possible.  To  delay  one  or  the  other 
of  these  expedients  is  to  exasperate  on  the  one  hai.i, 
or  to  give  confidence  en  the  other,  and  will  add  to  their 
numbers  ;  for,  like  mow-balls,  such  bodies  increase  by 
every  movement,  unless  there  is  something  in  the 
way  to  obstruct  and  crumble  them,  before  their  weight 
is  too  great  and  irresistible. 

"  These  are  my  sentiments.  Precedents  are  dan- 
gerous things.  Let  the  reins  of  government  then  be 
braced,  and  held  with  a  steady  hand  ;  and  every  vio- 
lation of  the  Constitution  be  reprehended.  If  defec- 
tive, let  it  be  amended,  but  not  suffered  to  be  trampled 
upon  while  it  has  an  existence." 

A  friend  having  intimated  by  letter  his  apprehension, 
that  civil  discord  was  near,  in  which  event  ho  would 
be  obliged  to  act  a  publick  part,  or  to  leave  the  conti-. 
nent.  "  It  is,"  said  the  General  in  reply,  "  with  the 
deepest  and  most  heart-felt  concern.  I  perceive, by  some 
late  paragraphs  extracted  from  the  Boston  papers,  that 
the  insurgents  of  Massachusetts,  far  from  being  satis- 
fied with  the  redress  offered  by  their  General  Court, 
are  still  acting  in  open  violation  of  law  and  govern- 
ment, and  have  obliged  the  Chief  Magistrate,  in  a  de- 
cided tone,  to  call  upon  the  militia  of  the  state  to  sup- 
port the  constitution. 

"  What,  gracious  God,  is  man  !  That  there  should 
be  such  inconsistency  and  perfidiousness  in  his  con- 
duct. It  is  but  the  other  day,  that  we  were  shedding 
our  blood  to  obtain  the  constitutions  under  which  we 
live  ;  constitutions  of  o«r  own  choice  and  making ; 
and  now  we  are  unsheathing  the  sword  to  overturn 
them.  The  thing  is  so  unaccountable  that  i  hardlv 
know  how  to  realize  it ;  or  to  persuade  myself  that  ! 
am  not  under  the  iiusion  of  a  dream.  My  mind,  pre- 
yious  to  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  tha  first  ultimo 

Vol.  II  7 


74  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1787 

had  often  been  agitated  by  a  thought  similar  to  the 
one  -you  expressed  respecting  a  friend  of  yours  ;  but 
heaven  forbid  that  a  crisis  should  conie  when  he  shall 
be  driven  to  the  necessity  of  making  a  choice  of  eithei 
of  the  alternatives  there  mentioned." 

Having  learned  that  the  states  had  generally  elected 
their  representatives  to  the  Convention,  and  Congresi 
having  given  its  sanction  to  it,  he  on.  the  28tu  of 
March  communicated  to  the  Governour  of  Virginia 
his  consent  to  act  as  one  of  the  delegates  of  his  state 
on  this  important  occasion. 

On  the  second  Monday  in  May  1767,  the  delegates 
of  twelve  states  met  in  Convention  at  Philadelphia, 
and  unanimously  elected  General  GEORGE  WASHING- 
TON their  President.  The  present  C  institution  of 
Government  of  the  United  Stales  was  the  result  of 
the  deliberations  an»l  concessions  of  this  venerable  body. 

Although  the  friends  of  General  WASHINGTON  had 
.fully -acquiesced  in  the  propriety  of  his  retiring  from 
publick  life  at  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war,  yet 
from  the  moment  of  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution, all  eyes  were  directed  to  him  as  the  first 
President  of  the  United  States.  His  correspondents 
earl}'  endeavoured  to  prepare  his  mind  to  gratify  the 
expectations  of  his  country.  Mr.  Johnson,  a  dis- 
tinguished patriot  of  Maryland,  wrote  him,  "  We  can- 
not do  witliout  you,  and  I  and  thousands  more  can  ex- 
plain to  any  body  but  yourself  why  we  cannot  do 
without  you." 

The  struggle  between  inclination  and  duty  was  long 
and  severe.  His  feelings  on  this  occasion  fully  ap- 
peared in  the  letters  which  he  wrote  to  his  friends  on 
the  subject  Colonel  Lee,  then  a  member  of  Congress, 
communicating  to  General  WASHINGTON  the  measures 
which  that  body  were  adopting  to  introduce  the  new 
government,  thus  alludes  to  the  presidency. 

"  The  solemnity  of  the  moment,  and  its  application 
to  yourself,  have  fixed  ray  mind  in  contemplations  of 


1788.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  75 

a  publick  and  a  personal  nature,  and  I  feel  an  involun- 
tary impulse  which  I  cannot  resist,  to  communicate, 
without  reserve  to  you  some  of  the  reflections  which 
the  hour  has  produced.  Solicitous  for  our  common 
happiness  as  a  people,  and  convinced,  as  I  continue  to 
be,  thai  oar  peace  and  prosperity  depend  on  the  projiei 
improvement  of  the  present  period,  my  anxiety  is  es- 
treme  that  the  new  government  may  have  an  auspi- 
cious beginning.  To  effect  this,  and  to  perpetuate  n 
nation  formed  under  your  auspices,  it  is  certain  you 
will  again  be  called  forth.  The  same  principles  of  de 
motion  to  the  good  of  mankind,  wnich  have  invariably 
governed  your  conduct,  will  no  doubt  continue  to  rul 
your  mind,  however  opposite  their  consequences  maj 
be  to  your  repose  and  happiness.  It  may  be  wrong, 
but  I  cannot  suppress  in  my  wishes  for  national  felici- 
ty a  due  regard  for  your  personal  fain^and  content. 

"  If  the  same  success  should  attend  your  efforts  on 
this  important  occasion  which  has  distinguished  you 
hitherto,  then,  to  be  sure,  you  will  have  spent  a  life 
which  Providence  rarely,  if  ever,  before  gave  to  the 
lot  of  man.  It  is  my  anxious  hope,  it  is  my  belief  that 
this  will  be  the  case  ,  but  all  things  are  uncertain,  and 
perhaps  nothing  more  so  than  political  events. 

"  Without  you,  the  government  can  have  but  little 
chance  of  success;  and  the  people,  of  that  happinesa 
which  its  prosperity  must  yield." 

To  these  communications,  the  General  thus  replied* 

"  Your  observations  on  the  solemnity  of  the  crisis. 
and  its  application  to  myself,  bring  before  mo  subjects 
of  the  most  momentous  and  interesting  nature.  Ill 
our  endeavours  to  establish  a  new  general  government, 
the  contest,  nationally  considered,  seems  not  to  have 
been  so  much  for  glory,  as  existence.  It  was  for  a 
long  time  doubtful  whether  we  were  to  survive  as  an 
independent  republick,  or  decline  from  our  federal  dig- 
nity into  ins:"nincant  and  wretched  fragments  of  em 
pire.  Thti  adoution  of  the  constitution  so  extensive!/, 


7t  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [ITdd 

and  tvith  so  liberal  an  acquiescence  on  the  part  of  the 
minorities  in  general,  promised  the  former  ;  but  lately, 
Like  circular  letter  of  iNew-York  has  manifested  in  my 
apprehension  an  unfavourable,  it'  :iot  an  insidious  ten- 
dency to  a  contrary  policy.  1  still  hope  for  the  best ; 
but  belbre  you  mentioned  it,  1  could  not  help  tea)  ing 
it  would  serve  as  a  standard  to  which  the  disaffected 
could  resort.  It  is  now  evidently  the  part  of  all  honest 
men,  who  are  fneuds  to  the  new  constitution,  to  endea- 
vour to  give  it  a  cliance  to  disclose  its  merits  and  de- 
fects by  carrying  it  lairiy  into  e&ect,nuhe  firstinstance 
"  The  principal  fl>pick  of  your  Better  is,  to  me,  a 
,.111111  of  great  delicacy  indeed,  insomuch  that  I  can 
scarcely,  without  some  impropriety,  touch  upon  it.  In 
the  in  st.  place,  th;-  event  to  which  you  allude  may 
never  happen,  among  other  reasons  because,  if  the 
partiality  of  my  fellow-citizens  conceive  it  to  be  a 
mean  by  which  the  sinews  of  the  new  government 
would  be  strengthened,  it  will  of  consequence  be  ob 
noxious  to  those  who  are  in  opposition  to  it ;  many  of 
whom,  unquestionably,  will  be  placed  among  the  elect- 
ors. This  consideration  alone  would  supersede  the 
expediency  of  announcing  any  definitive  and  irrevoca- 
ble resolution.  You  are  among  the  small  number  of 
those  who  know  my  Invincible  attachment  to  domes- 
tick  hie,  and  that  my  sincerest  wish  is  to  continue  in 
the  enjoyment  of  it  solely,  until  my  final  hour.  But 
the  world  would  be  neither  so  well  instructed,  nor  so 
candidly  disposed,  as  to  believe  me  to  be  uninfluenced 
by  sinister  motives  in  case  any  circumstance  should 
render  a  deviation  from  the  line  of  conduct  1  had  pre- 
scubed  tor  myself  indispensable.  Should  the  contin- 
gency you  suggest,  take  place,  and  (for  argument'! 
sake  alone  let  me  say)  should  my  unfeigned  reluctance 
to  accept  the  olhee  be  overcome  by  a  deference  for  the 
reasons  and  opinions  of  my  friends  ;  might  1  not,  after 
the  declarations  1  have  made,  (and  heav-i  knows  they 
were  made  in  the  sincerity  of  my  heart)  in  the  judj; 


I7S8.  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  77 

men*,  of  the  impartial  world,  and  of  posterity,  be  clwirge- 
able  with  levity  and  inconsistency,  if  not  v.'ith  rash- 
ness and  ambition  ?  Nay,  farther,  would  there  not  even 
be  some  apparent  foundation  for  the  two  former 
charges  ?  Now,  justice  to  myself,  and  tianquillity  of 
conscience  require  that  I  should  act  a  part,  if  not 
above  imputation,  at  least  capable  wf  vindication.  Nor 
will  you  conceive  me  to  be  too  solicitous  for  reputa 
tion.  Though  I  prize  as  I  ought  the  good  opinion  of 
my  fellow-citizens,  yet  if  I  know  myself,  I  would  not 
seek  popularity  at  the  expense  of  one  social  duty,  or 
moral  "irtue. 

"  While  doing  what  my  conscience  informed  me  was 
right,  as  it  respected  my  God,  my  country,  and  my- 
self, I  could  despise  all  the  party  clamour  and  unjust 
censure  which  must  be  expected  from  some,  whoso 
personal  enmity  might  be  occasioned  l*£  their  hostility 
to  the  government.  I  am  conscious  that  I  fear  alone 
to  give  any  real  occasion  for  obloquy,  and  that  I  do 
not  dread  to  meet  with  unmerited  reproach.  And 
Certain  I  am,  whensoevei  I  shall  be  convinced  the 
good  of  my  country  requires  my  reputation  to  be  put 
in  risk,  regard  for  my  own  fame  will  not  come  in 
competition  with  an  object  of  so  much  magnitude. 

"  If  I  declined  the  task,  it  would  be  upon  quite 
another  principle.  Notwithstanding  my  advanced 
season  of  life,  my  increasing  fondness  for  agricultural 
amusements,  and  my  growing  love  of  retirement,  aug- 
ment and  confirm  my  decided  predeliclion  for  the  cha 
racter  of  a  private  citizen,  yet  it  will  be  no  one  of 
these  motives,  nor  the  hazard  to  which  my  former 
reputation  might  be  exposed,  or  the  terrour  of  encoun- 
tering new  fatigues  and  troubles,  that  would  deter  me 
from  an  acceptance  ;  but  a  belief  that  some  other  per- 
son, who  had  less  pretence  and  less  inclination  to  ba 
excused,  could  execute  all  the  duties  full  as  satisfacto- 
rily as  myself.  To  say  more  would  be  indiscreet ;  at 
(he  disclosure  of  a  refusal  beforehand  might  incur  the 


78  LIFE  OF   WASHINGTON. 

implication  of  the  fable,  in  which  the  fox  is  rej  resent- 
ed as  undervaluing  the  grapes  he  could  not  reach. 
Jfou  will  perceive,  my  dear  sir.  by  what  is  here  ob- 
served (and  which  you  will  be  pleased  to  consider  in 
the  light  of  a  confidential  communication)  that  my 
inclinations  will  dispose  and  decide  me  to  remain  as  I 
am;  unless  a  clear  and  insurmountable  conviction 
should  be  impressed  on  my  rnind,  that  some  very  dis- 
agreeable consequences  must  in  all  human  probability 
result  from  the  indulgence  of  my  wishes." 

To  similar  suggestions  from  Colonel  Hamilton,  Ge- 
neral WASHJNGTON-replied.  "  On  the  delicate  subject 
with  which  you  conclude  your  letter  I  can  say  no- 
thing ;  because  the  event  alluded  to  may  never  hap- 
pen, and  because  in  case  it  should  occur,  it  would  be  a 
point  of  prudence  to  defer  forming  one's  ultimate  and 
irrevocable  decision,  so  long  as  new  data  might  be  af 
forded  for  one  to  act  with  the  greater  wisdom  and  pro- 
priety. I  would  not  wish  to  conceal  my  prevailing 
sentiment  from  you.  For  you  know  me  well  enough, 
my  good  sir,  to  be  persuaded  that  I  am  not  guilty  of 
affectation,  when  I  tell  you  it  is  my  great  and  solo 
desire  to  live  and  die  in  peace  and  retirement  on  my 
own  farm.  Were  it  even  indispensable  a  different 
line  of  conduct  should  be  adopted,  while  you  and  some 
others  who  are  acquainted  with  my  heart  would  aryuit, 
the  world  and  posterity  might  probably  accuse  tne  of 
inconsistency  and  ambition.  Still  I  hope  1  shall  always 
possess  firmness  and  virtue  enough  to  maintain  (what 
I  consider  the  most  enviable  of  all  titles)  the  character 
of  an  honest  man. 

"  Although  I  could  not  help  observing  from  several 
publications  and  letters  that  my  name  had  been  some- 
times spoken  of,  and  that  it  was  possible  that  con- 
tingency which  is  the  subject  of  your  letter  might 
happen,  yet  I  thought  it  best  to  maintain  a  guarded 
silence,  and  to  lack  the  counsel  of  my  best  friends 
(which  I  certainly  hold  in  the  highest  estimation)  ra 


1788.]  LIFK  OF  WASHINGTON.  7% 

therthan  to  hazard  an  imputation  unfriendly  to  the  de- 
licacy of  my  feelings.  For,  situated  as  I  am,  I  could 
hardly  bring  the  question  into  the  slightest  discussion, 
or  ask  an  opinion  even  in  the  most  confidential  man- 
ner, without  betraying  in  my  judgment,  some  impro- 
priety of  conduct,  or  without  feeling  ai>  appreheusiou 
that  a  premature  display  of  anxiety  might  be  construed 
into  a  vain  glorious  desire  of  pushing  myself  into  no- 
tice as  a  candidate.  Now,  if  1  am  not  grossly  deceived 
in  myself,  I  should  unfeignedly  rejoice,  in  case  the 
electors,  by  giving  their  votes  in  favour  of  some  other 
person,  would  save  me  from  the  dreadful  dilemma  of  be- 
ing forced  to  accept  or  refuse.  If  that  may  not  be,  I  are 
in  Ihe  next  place,  earnestly  desirous  of  searching  out 
the  truth,  and  of  knowing  whether  there  does  not  ex- 
ist a  probability  that  the  government  would  be  just  as 
happily  and  effectually  carried  into  execution  without 
my  aid,  as  with  it.  I  am  truly  solicitous  to  obtain  all 
the  previous  information  which  the  circumstances  will 
afford,  and  to  determine  (when  the  determination  can 
with  propriety  be  no  longer  postponed)  according  to 
the  principles  of  right  reason,  and  the  dictates  of  a 
clear  conscience  ;  without  too  great  a  reference  to  the 
unforeseen  consequences  which  may  affect  my  person 
or  reputation.  Until  that  period,  I  may  fairly  hold 
mj  self  open  to  conviction,  though  I  allow  your  senti- 
ments to  have  weight  in  them  ;  and  1  shall  not  pass 
by  your  arguments  without  sjiving  them  as  dispas- 
sionate a  consideration  as  I  can  possibly  bestow  upon 
them. 

"  In  taking  a  survey  of  the  subject,  in  whatever 
point  of  light  I  have  been  able  to  place  it,  I  win  not 
•uppress  the  acknowledgment,  my  dear  sir,  that  1  Ixive 
always  felt  a  kind  of  gloom  upon  rny  mind,  as  often  as 
I  have  been  taught  to  expect  I  might,  and  pei.iaps 
must  ere  long  be  called  to  make  a  decision.  You  will, 
i  am  well  assured,  believe  the  assertion  (though  I 
Uave  little  expectation  it  would  gain  credit  from  thosa 


80  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1788 

who  are  less  acquainted  with  me)  that  if  1  should  re- 
ceive the  appointment,  and  should  be  prevailed  upon 
to  accept  it ;  the  acceptance  would  bj  attended  with 
more  diffidence  and  reluctance,  than  ever  I  experi- 
enced before  in  my  life.  It  would  be,  however,  with 
a  fixed  and  sole  determination  of  lending  whatever  as- 
sistance might  be  in  my  power  to  promote  the  publick 
weal,  in  hopes  that  at  a  convenient  and  early  period, 
my  services  might  be  dispensed  with  ;  and  that  1  might 
oe  permitted  once  more  to  retire — to  pass  an  uncloud- 
ed evening  after  the  stormy  day  of  life,  in  the  bosom 
of  domestick  tranquillity." 

We  have  already  made  copious  extracts  from  the 
letters  of  the  General  on  the  subject  of  the  Presiden- 
cy ;  but  as  they  clearly  describe  his  feelings  and  views 
on  the  near  prospect  of  being  again  summoned  by  hia 
country  into  publick  life,  they  must  be  interesting  to 
all.  We  will  close  them  with  the  following  commu 
nications  made  to  General  Lincoln,  who  had  also  com- 
municated to  him  the  expectation  of  his  friends,  "  I 
would  willingly  pass  over  in  §ilence  that  part  of  your 
letter,  in  which  you  mention  the  persons  who  are  can- 
didates for  the  two  first  offices  in  the  executive,  if  I  did 
not  fear  the  omission  might  seem  to  betray  a  want  of 
confidence.  Motives  of  delicacy  have  prevented  me 
hitherto  from  conversing  or  writing  on  this  subject, 
whenever  1  could  avoid  it  with  decency.  I  may,  how- 
ever, with  great  sincerity,  and  1  believe  without  of- 
fending against  modesty  or  propriety,  say  to  you,  that 
1  most  heartily  wish  the  choice  to  which  you  allude 
might  not  fall  upon  me  ;  and  that  if  it  should.  I  must 
resjrveHo  myself  the  right  of  inaMng  lip  my  final  de 
cision,  at  the  last  moment,  when  it  can  be  brought 
into  one  view,  and  when  the  expediency  or  incxpedi- 
enc^  of  a  refusal  can  he  more  judiciously  determined 
than  at  present.  But  be  assured,  my  dear  sir,  if  from 
\ny  inducement  I  shall  be  persuaded  ultimately  to  ac- 
cept, it  will  not  be  (so  far  as  I  know  my  own  heart 


/•83]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  81 

rom  any  of  a  private  >r  personal  nature.  Every  per 
Kiii.il  consideration  conspires  to  rivet  me  (if  1  may 
use  the  expression)  to  retirement.  At  my  time  of 
life,  and  under  my  circumstances,  nothing  in  this 
world  can  ever  drasv  me  from  it,  unless  it  be  a 
conviction  that  the  partiality  of  my  countrymen 
ljad  made  my  services  absolutely  necessary,  joined 
to  a  fear  that  my  refusal  might  induce  a  belief 
that  I  preferred  the  conservation  of  my  own  repu- 
tation and  private  ease,  to  the  good  of  my  country. 
After  all,  if  1  should  conceive  myself  in  a  manner 
constrained  to  accept,  I  call  heaven  to  witness,  that 
this  very  act  would  be  th»  greatest  sacrifice  of  my 
personal  feelings  and  wishes  that  ever  I  have  been 
called  upon  to  make.  It  would  be  to  forego  repose 
and  domestick  enjoyment  for  trouble,  perhaps  publick 
obloquy  ;  for  I  should  consider  myself  as  entering 
upon  an  unexplored  field,  enveloped  on  every  side  with 
clouds  and  darkness. 

"  From  this  embarrassing  situation  I  had  naturally 
supposed  that  my  declarations  at  the  close  of  the  war 
would  have  saved  me  ;  and  that  my  sincere  intentions, 
then  publickly  made  known,  would  have  effectually  pre- 
cluded me  for  ever  afterwards  from  being  looked 
upon  as  a  candidate  for  any  office.  This  hope,  as 
a  last  anchor  of  worldly  happiness  in  old  age,  I  had 
still  carefully  preserved  ;  until  the  publick  papers,  and 
private  letters  from  my  correspondents  in  almost  every 
quarter,  taught  me  to  apprehend  that  I  might  soon  be 
obliged  to  answer  the  question,  whether  1  would  go 
again  into  publick  life  or  not." 

In  event  it  appeared,  that  amidst  the  discordance  of 
opinion,  respecting  the  merits  of  the  Federal  Consti- 
tution, there  was  but  one  sentiment,  through  the 
United  States,  respecting  the  man  who  should  admi- 
nister the  government.  On  counting  the  votes  of  the 
electors  of  President  and  Vice  President,  it  was  found 
Jiat  General  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  had  their  unani- 


62  LIFE   OF  WASHINGTON.  [1789 

mo  us  suffrage,  and  was  chosen  President  of  the  United 
States  for  four  years  from  the  4th  of  March  1780. 

On  the  14th  of  April,  official  information  reached 
him  of  his  election.  Having  already  matle  up  hie 
mind  to  obey  the  summons  of  a  whole  country,  on  the 
second  day  after  this  notification,  he  quitted  the  quiet 
walks  of  Mount  Vernon  for  the  arduous  duties  of  the 
•upreme  magistracy  of  his  nation.  Although  grateful 
for  this  renewed  declaration  of  the  favourable  opinion 
of  the  community,  yet  his  determination  to  accept  the 
office  was  accompanied  with  diffidence  and  appreher 
sion.  "  I  wish,"  he  observed,  "  that  there  may  not  be 
reason  for  regretting  the  choice,  for  indeed  all  I  can 
promise  is,  to  accomplish  that  which  can  be  done  by 
an  honest  zeal."  The  feelings,  with  which  ho  entered 
upon  publick  life,  he  left  upon  his  private  journal. 

"  About  ten  o'clock,  I  bade  adieu  to  Mount  Vernon, 
to  private  life,  and  to  domestick  felicity ;  and  with  a 
mind  oppressed  with  more  anxious  and  painful  sensa 
lions  than  I  have  words  to  express,  set  out  for  New 
York,  with  the  best  dispositions  to  render  service  to 
my  country  in  obedience  to  its  call,  but  with  less  hope 
of  answering  its  expectations." 

He  was  met  on  the  read  by  the  gentlemen  of  Alex 
andria,  and  conducted  to  a  publick  dinner.  From  the 
numerous  addresses  presented  to  tne  General  on  thi« 
occasion,  we  sei  ^ct  that  of  the  citizens  of  Alexandria, 
because  it  is  a  testimonial  of  the  affection  and  venera- 
tion in  which  his  neighbours  and  friends  held  his  pri- 
vate as  well  as  puolick  character,  and  because,  in  itself 
it  has  peculiar  interest.  The  following  is  the  address 

"  Again  your  country  commands  your  care.  Obe- 
dient to  its  wishes,  unmindful  of  your  ease,  we  see  you 
again  relinquishing  the  bliss  of  retirement,  and  thii 
too  at  a  period  of  life,  when  nature  itself  seems  to  au- 
thorize a  preference  of  repose  ! 

"  Not  to  extol  your  glory  as  a  soldier  ;  not  to  po.jr 
forth  our  gratitude  for  past  services  :  n'>t»  to  acknow 


789.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  8 

edge  the  justice  of  the  unexampled  honour  which  ha* 
keen  conferred  upon  you  by  the  spontaneous  and 
unanimous  suffrages  of  three  millions  of  freemen,  in 
vour  election  to  the  supreme  magistracy  ;  nor  to  ad 
nire  the  patriotism  wh-ch  directs  your  conduct,  do 
vour  neighbouu  and  f.iends  now  address  you.  Themes 
ess  splendid,  but  more  endearing,  impress  our  minds. 
The  first  and  best  of  citizens  must  leave  us.  Our 
ftged  must  lose  their  ornament ;  our  youth  their  mo- 
del ;  our  agriculture  its  improver  ;  our  commerce  its 
frieni  ;  our  infant  academy  its  protector  ;  our  pool 
their  benefactor,  and  the  interiour  navigation  of  the 
Potomack  (an  event  replete  with  the  most  extensive 
utility  already,  by  your  unremitted  exertions,  brought 
into  partial  use)  its  institutor  and  promoter. 

"Farewell ! — go  !  and  make  a  grateful  people  happy 
a  people,  who  will  be  doubly  grateful  when  they  con 
template  this  recent  sacrifice  for  their  interest. 

"  To  that  Being,  who  maketh  and  unmaketh  at  his 
will,  we  commend  you  ;  and  after  the  accomplishment 
of  the  arduous  business  tc  which  you  are  called,  may 
he  restore  to  us  again,  the  best  of  men,  and  the  most 
beloved  fellow  citizen  !" 

To  which  General  WASHINGTON  replied  as  follows: 
"  GENTLEMEN, 

"  Although  1  ought  not  to  conceal,  yet  I  cannot  de- 
acribe  the  painful  emotions  which  I  felt  in  being  called 
upon  to  determine  whether  I  would  accept  or  refuse 
the  Presidency  of  the  United  States.  The  unanimity 
in  the  choice,  the  opinion  of  my  friends  communicated 
from  different  parts  of  Europe  as  well  as  from  Ameri- 
ca, the  apparent  wish  of  those  who  were  not  entirely 
satisfied  with  the  constitution  in  its  present  form  ;  and 
in  ardent  desire  on  my  own  part  to  be  instrumental  in 
connecting  the  good  will  of  my  countrymen  towards 
each  other,  have  induced  an  acceptance.  Those  who 
know  iiie  nest  (and  you,  my  fellow  citizens,  are,  from 
vour  situation,  in  that  number)  know  better  than  any 


B-l  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [178J5 

others  my  love  of  retirement  is  so  great,  that  no  eurth 
ly  consideration,  short  of  a  conviction  of  duty,  could 
have  prevailed  upon  me  to  depart  from  my  resoh.tion 
never  more  to  take  any  share  in  transactions  of  a  pub- 
uck  nature.  For  at  my  age,  and  in  my  circumstances, 
what  prospects  or  advantages  could  I  propose  to  rm  self, 
from  embarking  again  on  the  tempestuous  and  ui.cer- 
tain  '/cean  of  publick  life  ?  I  do  not  feel  myself  under 
thr  necessity  of  making  publick  declarations,  in  order 
to  convince  you,  gentlemen,  of  my  attachment  to  your- 
Belves,  and  regard  for  your  interests.  The  whole  te- 
nour  of  my  life  has  been  open  to  your  inspection  ;  and 
my  past  actions,  rather  than  my  present  declarations, 
must  be  the  pledge  of  my  future  conduct. 

"  In  the  mean  time  I  thank  you  most  sincerely  for 
the  expressions  of  kindness  contained  in  your  valedic- 
tory address.  It  is  true,  just  after  having  bade  adieu 
to  my  domestick  connexions,  this  tender  proof  of  your 
friendships  is  but  too  well  calculated  still  farther  to 
awaken  my  sensibility,  and  increase  my  regret  at  part 
ing  from  the  enjoyments  of  private  life. 

"  All  that  now  remains  for  me  is  *o  comm't  my  sell 
and  you  to  the  protection  of  that  beneficent  Being 
who.  on  a  former  occasion,  hath  happily  brought  us 
together  after  a  long  and  distressing  separation.  Per- 
haps the  same  gracious  Providence  will  again  indulge 
me.  Unutterable  sensations  must  then  be  left  to  more 
expressive  silence — while  from  an  achinjr  heart,  I  bid 
you  all,  my  affectionate  friends,  and  kind  neighbours, 
farewell !" 

It  was  the  wish  of  General  WASHINGTON  to  avoid 
p^rad"  on  his  journey  to  the  seat  of  government,  but 
he  found  it  impossible.  Numerous  bodies  of  respect- 
able citizens,  and  detachments  from  the  militia  escort- 
ed him  the  whole  distance,  and  at  every  place  through 
which  he  passed,  he  received  the  most  flattering  ovi- 
den'.e  of  the  high  estimation,  in  which  his  countrymen 
%eld  his  talents  and  his  virtues 


1789.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  85 

Gray's  bridge  over  the  Schuylkill  was,  with  much 
taste,  embellished  on  the  occasion.  At  each  end  arch 
es  were  erected  composed  of  laurel,  in  imitation  of  a 
Roman  triumphal  arch  ;  and  on  each  side  was  a  lauro 
shrubbery.  As  the  General  passed,  a  youth  by  the  aid 
of  machinery  (unperceived  by  him)  let  down  upon  lug 
head  a  civick  crown.  Through  avenues  and  etie«"ta 
thronged  with  people,  he  passed  from  the  Schuylkill 
into  Philadelphia,  and  at  night  the  city  was  illunii 
nated. 

At  Trenton,  the  ladies  presented  him  with  a  tribute 
of  gratitude  for  the  protection  which,  twelve  yeara 
before,  he  gave  them,  worthy  of  the  taste  and  refine- 
ment of  the  sex.  On  the  bridge  over  the  creek  which 
runs  through  this  place,  a  triumphal  arch  was  erected 
on  thirteeo-pillars  ;  these  were  entwined  with  laurel 
and  decorated  with  flowers.  On  the  front  of  the  arch 
was  the  following  inscription,  in  large  gilt  letters, 

THE  DEFENDER   OF  THE  MOTHERS 

WII  L    BE  THE 

PROTECTOR  '.I*1  THE    DAUGHTERS. 

On  the  centre  of  the  arch  above  ihe  inscription  was 
a  dome  of  floweis  and  evergreens  encirclipg  the  dates 
of  two  events  particularly  interesting  to  the  inhabit- 
ants of  New-Jersey,  viz.  the  successful  assault  on  the 
Hessian  post  in  Trenton,  and  the  gallant  stand  made 
by  General  WASHINGTON  at  the  same  creek  on  the 
evening  preceding  the  battle  of  Princeton.  A  nume- 
rous party  of  matrons,  holding  their  daughters  in  their 
hands,  who  were  dressed  in  white  and  held  on  their 
arms  baskets  of  flowers,  assembled  at  this  placo,  and 
en  his  approach  the  daughters  sung  the  following  odet 

Welcome.  Mighty  Chief,  onre  more 
Welcome  to  ihis  grateful  shore ; 
Now  no  mercenary  (be 
Aims  again  the  fatal  blow, 
Aims  at  THEE  the  I'atal  blow. 
VOL  II.  8 


86  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [17W 

Virgins  fair  and  matrons  grave 
Those  thy  conquering  arms  did  save, 
Build  for  THEE  triumphal  bowers; 
Strew  ye  fair  his  way  with  flowers, 
Strew  your  HKRO's  way  with  Cowers. 

At  the  last  lino  the  flowers  were  strewed  before 
him. 

On  the  eastern  shore  of  New- Jersey,  he  was  met  by 
a  Committee  of  Congress,  and  accompanied  over  the 
river  in  an  elegant  barge,  of  thirteen  oars,  and  man- 
ned by  thirteen  branch  pilots. 

"  The  display  of  boats,"  observes  the  General  in  his 
diary,  "  which  attended  and  joined  on  this  occasion, 
some  wit':  vocal  and  others  with  instrumental  musick 
on  board,  the  decorations  of  the  ships,  the  roar  of 
cannon,  and  the  loud  acclamations  of  the  people  which 
rent  the  sky  as  I  passed  along  the  wharves,  filled  my 
mind  with  sensations  as  painful  (contemplating  the  re- 
verse of  this  scene,  which  may  be  the  case  after  all  my 
endeavours  to  do  good)  as  they  were  pleasing." 

He  landed  on  the  23d  of  Ap'il  at  the  stairs  on  Mur- 
ray's wharf,  which  were  hign.j  ornamented  for  the 
purpose.  At  this  place  the  Governour  of  New- York 
received  him,  and  with  military  honours,  and  amidst 
an  immense  concourse  of  people,  conducted  him  to  hia 
apartments  in  the  city.  At  the  close  of  the  day,  Fo- 
reign Ministers  and  other  characters  of  distinction) 
made  him  congratulatory  visits,  and  the  publick  exhibi- 
tion was  at  night  closed  by  a  brilliant  illumination. 


1789.1          LIVE  OF  WASHINGTON.  87 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Inauguration  of  the  President— His  Address  to  Congress — Answer* 
of  the  two  Houses — The  Arrangements  of  his  Household — Hi* 
Regulations  for  Visitors — The  Reasons  of  their  adoption — The 
Relations  of  the  United  States  with  Foreign  Powers — Corgres* 
establishes  the  Depart ments  of  the  Government — The  President 
fills  them — Ho  visits  New-England — Ilia  Reception — Addresses 
to  him — His  Answers — Negotiations  with  the  Indians — Treaty 
with  the  Creeks— War  with  the  VVabash  and  Mimnis  Tribes 
— General  Harmar's  Expedition — St.  Clair  defeated — Genera) 
Wayne  victorious  and  makes  a  Treaty  with  them — Second  Ses- 
sion of  Congress — Fiscal  Arrangements  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury — Indisposition  of  the  President — He  visits  Mount  Vor- 
non— Meets  Congress  at  Philadelphia — His  Tour  to  the  Southern 
States — Second  Congress — The  President  refuses  his  signature  to 
the  Representative  Bill — Contemplates  retiring  to  PnvrteLife 
—Consents  to  be  a  Candidate  for  the  Second  PresxJenc». 

1789.  IN  adjusting;  the  ceremonies  of  the  inaugura- 
tion of  the  President,  Congress  determined  that  tho 
oath  of  office  should  be  administered  to  him  in  an 
open  gallery  adjoining  the  Hall  of  the  Senate.  Ac- 
cordingly on  the  30th  of  April,  General  WASHINGTON 
attended,  and,  in  a  view  of  a  vast  assemblage  of  peo- 
ple, was  constitutionally  qualified  for  the  administra- 
tion of  the  government.  On  his  being  proclaimed 
President  of  the  United  States,  reiterated  acclamations 
testified  the  interest  and  the  pleasure  which  the  at- 
tending multitude  felt  in  the  transaction. 

The  President  immediately  entered  tho  Senate 
chamber  and  made  the  following  Speech  to  the  two 
branches  of  the  Legislature. 

"  FELLOW  CITIZENS  OF  THE  SENATE,  AND 
OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES, 

"  Among  the  vicissitudes  incident  to  life,  no  event 
could  have  filled  me  with  greater  anxieties  than  that 
of  which  the  notification  was  transmitted  by  your  or« 
der,  and  received  on  the  14th  day  of  the  present  month. 
On  the  one  hand,  I  was  summoned  by  my  country, 
whose  voice  I  can  never  hear  but  with  veneration  and 


88    *  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [178» 

Jov^,from  a  retreat  which  I  had  chosen  with  the  fondest 
predilection,  and,  in  my  flattering  hopes,  with  an  im- 
mutable decision  as  the  asylum  of  my  declining  years 
a  retreat  which  was  rendered  every  day  more  necessa 
ry  as  well  as  more  dear  to  me,  by  the  addition  of  habit 
to  inclination,  and  of  frequent  interruptions  in  my 
health  to  the  gradual  waste  committed  on  it  by  time. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  magnitude  and  difficulty  of  tho 
trust  to  which  the  voice  of  my  country  called  me,  be- 
ing sufficient  to  awaken  in  the  wisest  and  most  expe- 
rienced of  her  citizens,  a  distrustful  scrutiny  into  his 
qualifications,  could  not  but  overwhelm  with  despond- 
ence one,  who,  inheriting  iriferiour  endowments  from 
nature,  and  unpractised  in  the  duties  of  civil  adminis- 
tration, ought  to  be  peculiarly  conscious  of  his  own 
deficiencies.  In  this  conflict  of  emotions,  all  1  dare 
aver  is,  that  it  has  been  my  faithful  study  to  collect 
my  duty  from  a  just  appreciation  of  every  circum- 
stance by  which  it  might  be  affected.  All  I  dare  hope 
is,  that  if  in  accepting  this  task  I  have  been  too  much 
swayed  by  a  grateful  remembrance  of  former  instances, 
or  by  an  affectionate  sensibility  to  this  transcendent 
proof  of  the  confidence  of  my  fellow  citizens  ;  and 
have  thence  .too  little  consulted  my  incapacity  as  well 
as  disinclination  for  the  weighty  and  untried  cares  be- 
fore me  ;  my  errour  will  be  palliated  by  the  motives 
which  misled  me,  and  its  consequences  be  judged  by 
my  country,  with  some  share  of  the  partiality  in  which 
they  originated. 

"  Such  being  the  impressions  under  which  I  have, 
in  ob»Hience  to  the  publick  summons,  repaired  to  the 
present  station,  it  would  be  peculiarly  improper  to 
omit  in  this  first  official  act,  my  fervent  supplications 
to  that  Almighty  Being,  who  rules  over  the  universe, 
Who  presides  in  the  councils  of  nations,  and  whose 
providential  aids  can  supply  every  human  defect,  thai 
his  benediction  may  consecrate  to  the  liberties  and 
happiness  of  the  people  of  the  United  States,  a  govern 


1789  J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  89 

ment  instituted  by  themselves  for  these  essential  pur- 
poses, and  may  enable  every  instrument  employed  in 
its  administration,  to  execute  with  success  the  func 
tions  allotted  to  his  charge.  In  tendering  this  homage 
to  the  great  Author  of  every  publick  and  private  good, 
I  assure  myself  that  it  expresses  your  sentiments  not 
less  than  my  own  ;  nor  those  of  my  fellow  citi/ens  at 
large,  less  than  either.  No  people  can  be  bound  to 
acknowledge  and  adore  the  invisible  hand,  which  con- 
ducts the  affairs  of  men,  more  than  the  people  of  the 
Uiited  States.  Every  step  by  which  they  have  ad- 
vanced to  the  character  of  an  independent  nation, 
seems  to  have  been  distinguished  by  some  token  of 
providential  agency.  And  in  the  important  revolution 
just  accomplished  in  the  system  of  their  united  govern- 
ment, the  tranquil  deliberations  and  voluntary  consent 
of  so  many  distinct  communities,  from  which  the 
event  has  resulted,  cannot  be  compared  with  the 
means  by  which  most  governments  have  been  establish- 
ed, without  some  return  of  pious  gratitude  along  with 
a  humble  anticipation  of  the  future  blessings  which 
the  past  seem  to  presage.  These  reflections,  arising 
out  of  the  present  crisis,  Lave  forced  themselves  too 
strongly  on  my  mind  to  be  suppressed.  You  will  join 
with  me,  I  trust,  in  thinking  that  there  are  none  under 
the  influence  of  which,  the  proceedings  of  a  new  and 
free  government  can  more  auspiciously  commence. 

"  By  the  article  establishing  the  executive  depart- 
ment, it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  President '  to  recom- 
mend to  your  consideration,  such  measures  as  he  shall 
judge  necessary  and  expedient.'  The  circumstances 
under  which  I  now  meet  you,  will  acquit  me  from  en- 
tering into  that  subject,  farther  than  to  refer  you  to 
the  great  Constitutional  Charter  under  which  we  are 
assembled  ;  and  which  in  defining  your  powers,  desig- 
nates the  objects  to  which  your  attention  is  to  be  given. 
It  will  be  more  consistent  with  those  circumstances, 
and  far  more  congenial  with  the  feelings  which  acto 
8* 


DO  UFE  OF  WASHINGTON  [)~1& 

ate  me  to  substitute  in  place  of  a  recommendation  of 
particular  measures,  the  tribute  that  is  due  to  the 
talents,  the  rectitude,  and  the  patriotism  which  adorn 
the  characters  selected  to  devise  and  adopt  them.  In 
these  honourable  qualifications,  I  behold  the  surest 
pledges,  that  as  on  one  side,  no  local  prejudices  or  at- 
tachments, no  separate  views  nor  party  animosities, 
will  misdirect  the  comprehensive  and  equal  eye  which 
ought  to  watch  over  this  great  ansemblage  of  commu- 
nities and  interests  :  so,  on  another,  that  the  founda- 
tions of  our  national  policy  will  be  laid  in  the  pure 
and  immutable  principles  of  private  morality  ;  and  the 
pre-eminence  of  a  free  government  be  exemplified  by 
all  the  attributes  which  can  win  the  affections  of  its 
citizens,  and  command  the  respect  of  the  world. 

"  I  dwell  on  this  prospect  •a-ith  every  satisfaction 
which  an  ardent  love  for  my  country  can  inspire  ; 
eince  there  is  no  truth  more  thoroughly  established, 
than  that  there  exists  in  the  economy  and  course  of 
nature,  an  indissoluble  union  between  virtue  ai.d  hap- 
piness— between  duty  and  advantage — between  the 
genuine  maxims  of  an  honest  and  magnanimous  policy, 
and  the  solid  rewards  of  publick  prosperity  and  lelioity. 
Since  we  ought  to  be  no  less  persuaded  that  the  pro- 
pitious smiles  of  Heaven  can  never  be  expected  on  a 
natior.  tint  disregards  the  eternal  rules  of  order  and 
right,  which  Heaven  itself  has  ordained  :  and  since  the 
preservation  of  the  sacred  tire  of  liberty,  and  the  desti 
ay  of  the  republican  model  of  government,  are  justly 
considered  as  deeply,  perhaps  as  Jinully  staked,  on  tho 
experiment  entrusted  to  the  hands  of  the  American 
people. 

"  Besides  the  ordinary  objects  submitted  to  your 
tare,  it  will  remain  with  your  judgment  to  decide  IK  w 
far  an  exercise  of  the  occasional  power  delegated  b) 
the  fifth  article  of  the  Constitution  is  tendered  expe- 
dient at  the  present  juncture,  by  the  nature  of  objec- 
tions which  have  been  urged  against  the  system,  or  by 


1789.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  91 

the  degree  of  inquietude  which  has  given  biith  to 
(.hem.  Instead  of  undertaking  particular  recommen- 
dations on  tliis  subject,  in  which  I  could  be  guided  by 
no  lights  derived  from  official  opportunities,  I  shall 
again  give  way  to  my  entire  confidence  in  your  dis- 
cernment and  pursuit  of  the  publick  good  ;  for  I  assure 
myself,  that  whilst  you  carefully  avoid  every  altera- 
tion which  might  endanger  the  benefits  of  an  united 
and  effective  government,  or  which  ought  to  await  the 
future  lessons  of  experience  ;  a  reverence  for  the 
characleristick  rights  of  freemen,  and  a  regard  for  the 
puhhck  harmony,  will  sufficiently  influence  your  de- 
liberations on  the  question,  how  far  the  former  can  be 
more  impregnably  fortified,  or  the  latter  be  safely  and 
advantageously  promoted. 

"  To  the  preceding  observations  I  have  one  to  add, 
which  will  be  most  properly  addressed  to  the  House 
of  Representatives.  It  concerns  myself,  and  will 
therefore  be  as  brief  as  possible.  When  I  was  first 
honoured  with  a  call  into  the  service  of  my  country, 
then  on  the  eve  of  an  arduous  struggle  for  its  liberties, 
the  light  in  which  I  contemplated  my  duty,  required 
that  I  should  renounce  every  pecuniary  compensation. 
From  this  resolution  I  have  in  no  instance  departed. 
And  being  still  under  the  impressions  which  produced 
«t,  I  must  decline  as  inapplicable  to  myself,  any  share 
in  the  personal  emoluments,  which  may  be  indispensa- 
bly included  in  a  permanent  provision  for  the  execu- 
tive department ;  and  must  accordingly  pray  that  tho 
pe  raniary  estimates  for  the  station  in  which  I  am  plac- 
ed, may,  during  my  continuation  in  it,  be  limited  to 
such  actual  expenditures  as  the  publick  good  may  be 
thought  to  require. 

"  Having  thus  imparted  to  jou  my  sentiments,  aa 
they  have  been  awakened  by  the  occasion  which  brings 
us  together,  I  shall  take  my  present  leave  ;  but  not 
without  resorting  once  more  to  the  benign  Parent  of 
the  \uunan  race,  in  humble  supplication,  that  since  he 


92  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

has  been  pleased  to  favour  the  American  people  with 
opportunities  for  deliberating  in  perfect  tranquillity, 
and  dispositions  for  deciding  with  unparalleled  una 
nimity  on  a  form  of  government  for  the  security  of 
their  union,  and  the  advancement  of  their  happiness  , 
so  his  divine  blessing  may  be  equally  conspicuous  in 
the  enlarged  views,  the  temperate  consultatwns,  and 
the  vise  measures  on  which  the  success  of  this  go- 
vernment must  depend." 

The  answer  of  the  Senate  was  highly  respectful 
and  affectionate. 

"  The  unanimous  suffrage  of  the  elective  body  in 
your  favour,  is  peculiarly  expressive  of  the  gratitude, 
confidence,  and  affection  of  the  citizens  of  America, 
and  is  the  highest  testimonial  at  once  of  your  merit, 
and  their  esteem.  We  are  sensible,  Sir,  that  nothing 
but  the  voice  of  your  fellow  citizens  could  have  called 
you  from  a  retreat,  chosen  by  the  fondest  predilection, 
endeared  by  habit,  and  consecrated  to  the  repose  of 
declining  years.  We  rejoice,  and  with  us,  all  Ameri- 
ca, that,  in  obedience  to  the  call  of  our  common  coun- 
try, you  have  returned  once  more  to  publick  hie.  In 
you  all  parties  confide,  in  you  all  interests  unite,  and 
we  have  no  doubt  that  your  past  services,  great  as  they 
have  been,  will  be  equalled  by  your  future  exertions ; 
and  that  your  prudence  and  sagacity,  as  a  statesman, 
will  tend  to  avert  the  dangers  to  which  we  were  ex- 
posed, to  give  stabil-ity  to  the  present  government,  and 
dignity  and  splendour  to  that  country,  which  your 
skill  and  valour  as  a  soldier,  so  eminently  contributed 
to  raise  to  independence  and  empire. 

"  When  we  contemplate  the  coincidence  of  circum 
•'.ances,  and  wonderful  combination  of  causes  which 
gradually  prepared  the  people  of  this  country  for  in- 
dependence ; .when  we  contemplate  the  rise,  progress, 
and  termination  of  the  late  war,  which  gave  them  a 
name  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  we  are,  with 
you,  unavoidably  led  to  acknowledge  and  adore  tin 


178!).]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Sfc 

great  Arbiter  of  the  universe,  ly  whom  empires  rise 
and  fall.  A  review  of  the  many  signal  instances  of 
divine  interposition  in  favour  of  this  country,  claims 
our  most  pious  gratitude.  And  permit  us,  Sir,  to  ob- 
serve, that  among  the  great  events  which  have  led  to 
thw  formation  and  establishment  of  a  federal  govern- 
ment, we  esteem  your  acceptance  of  the  office  of  Pre- 
sident, as  one  of  the  most  propitious  and  important." 

The  House,  equally  affectionate  and  respectful  in 
their  answer,  say : 

"  The  Representatives  of  tho  People  of  the  United 
States,  present  their  congratulations  on  the  event  by 
which  your  fellow  citizens  have  attested  the  pre-emi- 
nence of  your  merit.  You  have  long  held  the  first 
place  in  their  esteem  ;  you  have  often  received  tokens 
of  their  affection  ;  you  now  possess  the  only  proof  that 
remained  of  their  gratitude  for  your  services,  of  their 
reverence  for  your  wisdom,  and  of  their  confidence  in 
your  virtues.  You  enjoy  the  highest,  because  the 
truest  honour,  of  being  the  First  Magistrate,  by  the 
unanimous  choice  of  the  freest  people  on  the  face  of 
the  earth. 

"  Wo  well  know  the  anxieties  with  which  you  must 
have  obeyed  the  summons,  from  the  repose  reserved 
for  your  declining  years,  into  publick  scenes,  of  which 
you  had  taken  your  leave  for  ever  ;  but  the  obedience 
was  due  to  the  occasion.  It  is  already  applauded  by 
the  universal  joy  which  welcomes  you  to  your  station, 
and  we  cannot  doubt  that  it  will  be  rewarded  with  all 
the  satisfaction,  with  which  an  ardent  love  for  your 
fellow  citizens  must  review  successful  efforts  tc  pro- 
mote  their  happiness. 

"This  anticipation  is  not  justified  merely  by  the 
past  experience  of  your  signal  services.  It  is  particu- 
larly suggested  by  the  pious  impressions  under  which 
you  commence  your  administration,  and  the  enlighten- 
ed maxims  by  which  you  mean  to  conduct  it.  We 
fcel  vnth  you  the  strongest  obligations  tc  adore  the  m- 


44  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1783 

visible  hand  which  has  led  the  American  people  througb 
no  many  difficulties,  to  cherish  a  conscious  responsibi 
lity  for  the  destiny  of  republican  liberty,  and  to  seek 
the  only  sure  means  of  preserving  and  recommending 
the  precious  deposite  in  a  system  of  legislation,  found 
ed  on  the  principles  of  an  honest  policy,  and  directed 
by  the  spirit  of  a  diffusive  patriotism. 

"  The  question  arising  out  of  the  fifth  article  of  tha 
Constitution  will  receive  all  the  attention  demanded 
*y  its  importance,  and  will,  we  trust,  be  decided  under 
the  influence  of  all  the  considerations  to  which  you 
allude. 

"  In  forming  the  pecuniary  provisions  for  the  exe- 
cutive department,  we  shall  not  lose  sight  of  a  wish 
resulting  from  motives  which  give  it  a  peculiar  claim 
to  our  regard.  Your  resolution,  in  a  moment  critical 
to  the  liberties  of  your  country,  to  renounce  all  per- 
sonal emolument,  was  among  the  many  presages  of 
your  patriotick  services,  which  have  been  amply  fulfil- 
led ;  and  your  scrupulous  adherence  now  to  the  law 
then  imposed  on  yourself,  cannot  fail  to  demonstrate 
the  purity,  whilst  it  increases  the  lustre  of  a  charac- 
ter, which  has  so  many  titles  to  admiration. 

"  Such  are  the  sentiments  with  which  we  have 
thought  fit  to  address  you.  They  flow  from  our  own 
hearts,  and  we  verily  believe,  that  among  the  millions 
we  represent,  there  is  not  a  virtuous  citizen  whose 
heart  will  disown  them. 

"  All  that  remains  is,  that  we  join  in  your  fervent 
supplications  for  the  blessings  of  Heaven  on  our  coun- 
try ;  and  that  we  add  our  own  for  the  choicest  of  those 
blessings  on  the  most  beloved  of  her  citizens." 

While  waiting  the  movements  of  the  Legislature,  the 
President  endeavoured  fully  to  acquaint  himself  with 
the  state  of  publick  affairs,  and  for  this  purpose,  he 
called  upon  those  who  had  been  the  heads  of  depart 
ments  -nder  the  confederation,  to  report  to  him  thf 
situation  cf  their  respective  concerns.  He  also,  liar 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  95 

ing  consulted  with  his  friends,  adopted  a  system  for 
the  order  of  his  own  household,  for  the  regulation  of 
his  hours  of  business,  and  of  intercourse  with  those 
who,  in  a  formal  manner,  visited  him  as  the  Supreme 
Magistrate!  of  the  nation. 

He  publickly  announced  that  neither  visits  of  busi- 
ness nor  ceremony  would  be  expected  on  Sunday,  as 
he  wished  to  reserve  this  day  sacredly  to  himself 
Other  regulations,  adopted  at  this  time,  were  at  a  sub- 
iequent  period  complained  of  as  partaking  too  much 
of  monarchical  customs.  To  a  friend  in  Virginia,  who 
had  made  known  these  complaints,  the  President  gave 
the  following  reasons  for  their  adoption. 

"  While  the  eyes  of  America,  perhaps  of  the  world, 
are  turned  to  this  government,  and  many  are  watch- 
ing the  movements  of  those  who  are  concerned  in  its 
administration,  I  should  like  to  be  informed  through 
BO  good  a  medium,  of  the  publick  opinion  of  both  men 
and  measures,  and  of  none  more  than  myself: — not 
so  much  of  what  may  be  thought  commendable  parts, 
if  any,  of  my  conduct,  as  of  those  which  are  conceived 
to  be  of  a  different  complexion.  The  man  who  means 
to  commit  no  wrong,  will  never  be  guilty  of  enormi- 
ties, consequently  can  never  be  unwilling  to  learn 
what  are  ascribed  to  him  as  foibles.  If  tiiey  are  really 
such,  the  knowledge  of  them,  in  a  well  disposed  mind, 
will  go  half  way  towards  a  reform.  If  they  are  not 
errours,  he  can  explain  and  justify  the  motives  of  his 
actions.  At  a  distance  from  the  theatre  of  action, 
truth  is  not  always  related  without  emi/ellishments, 
and  sometimes  is  entirely  perverted,  from  a  miscon 
ception  of  the  causes  which  produced  the  effects  that 
are  the  subject  of  censure. 

"  This  leads  me  to  think  that  a  system  which  I  found 
it  indispensably  necessary  to  adopt  upon  my  first  com- 
ing to  this  city,  might  have  undergone  severe  stric- 
tures, and  have  had  motives,  very  foreign  from  those 
that  governed  me,  assigned  as  the  causes  thereof"  I 


96  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [178& 

mean  first,  returning  no  visits ;  second,  appointing 
certain  days  to  receive  them  generally,  (not  to  the  ex- 
clusion, however,  of  visits  on  any  other  days  undor 
particular  circumstances)  and  third,  at  first  entertain- 
ing no  company,  and  afterwards  (unal  1  was  unable 
to  entertain  any  at  all)  confining  it  to  official  charac- 
ters. A  few  days  evinced  the  necessity  of  the  two 
first  in  so  clear  a  point  of  view,  that  had  1  not  adopted 
it,  1  should  have  been  unable  to  have  attended  to  any 
sort  of  business,  unless  1  had  applied  the  hours  allotted 
to  rest  and  refreshment  to  this  purpose  ;  for  by  the 
time  I  had  d.mo  breakfast,  and  thence  until  dinner, 
and  afterwards  until  bed  time,  I  could  not  get  reliev 
ed  from  the  ceremony  of  one  visit,  before  1  had  to  at- 
tend to  another.  In  a  word,  1  had  no  leisure  to  read 
or  to  answer  the  despatches  that  were  pouring  in  upon 
me  from  all  quarters. 

"  Before  the  custom  was  established,  which  now  ac- 
commodates foreign  characters,  strangers,  arid  others, 
who,  from  motives  of  curiosity,  respect  to  the  Chief 
Magistrate,  or  any  other  cause,  are  induced  to  call 
upon  me,  1  was  unable  to  attend  to  any  business  what- 
soever. For  gentlemen,  consulting  their  own  conve- 
nience rather  than  mine,  were  calling  from  the  tirno 
I  rose  from  breakfast,  often  before,  ui'til  I  sat  down  to 
dinner.  This,  as  I  resolved  not  to  neglect  my  publick 
duties,  reduced  me  to  the  choice  of  one  of  these  alter- 
natives ;  either  to  refuse  them  altogether,  or  to  appro- 
priate a  time  for  the  reception  of  them.  The  first 
would,  I  well  knew,  Le  disgusting  to  many  :  the  latter, 
I  expected,  would  undergo  animadversions  from  those 
who  would  find  fault  with  or  without  cause.  To 
please  every  body  was  impossible.  I  therefore  adopted 
that  line  of  conduct  which  combined  publick  advantage 
with  private  convenience,  and  which  in  my  judgment 
was  unexceptionable  in  itself. 

"  These  visits  are  optional.  They  are  made  w.th- 
out  invitation.  Between  the  hours  of  three  and  four 


i789.|  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  97 

every  Tuesday  I  am  prepared  to  receive  them.  Gen 
tlemen,  often  in  great  numbers,  come  and  go,  chat 
with  each  other,  and  act  as  they  please.  A  portei 
shows  them  into  the  room,  and  they  retire  from  it 
when  they  choose,  and  without  ceremony.  At  their 
first  entrance,  they  salutt  me,  and  I  them,  and  as 
many  as  I  can  talk  to,  I  do.  What  pomp  there  is  in 
all  this,  I  am  unable  to  discover.  Perhaps  it  consists 
in  not  sitting  :  to  this,  two  reasons  are  opposed  ;  first, 
it  is  unusual ;  secondly,  (which. is  a  more  substantial 
one)  because  I  have  no  room  large  enoxigh  to  contain 
a  third  of  the  chairs  which  would  be  sufficient  to  admit 
it.  If  it  is  supposed  that  ostentation,  or  the  fashions 
of  courts,  (which,  by  the  bye,  1  believe  originate  often- 
er  in  convenience,  not  to  say  necessity,  than  is  gene- 
rally imagined)  gave  rise  to  this  custom,  1  will  boldly 
affirm  that  no  supposition  was  ever  more  erroneous ; 
for  were  I  to  indulge  my  inclinations,  every  moment 
that  I  could  withdraw  from  the  fatigues  of  my  station, 
should  be  spent  in  retirement.  That  they  are  not, 
proceeds  from  the  sense  1  entertain  of  the  propriety 
of  giving  to  everv  one  as  free  access  as  consists  with 
that  respect  which  is  due  to  the  chair  of  government ; 
and  that  respect,  I  conceive,  is  neither  to  be  acquired 
or  preserved  but  by  maintaining  a  just  medium  be- 
tween much  state,  and  too  great  familiarity. 

"  Similar  to  the  above,  but  of  a  more  familiar  and 
sociable  kind,  are  the  visits  of  every  Friday  afternoon 
to  Mrs.  Washington,  where  I  always  am.  These  pub- 
lick  meetings,  and  a  dinner  once  a  week  to  as  many 
as  my  table  will  huld,  with  the  references  '>.o  and  from 
the  different  departments  of  stale,  and  other  commu- 
nications with  all  parts  of  the  union,  is  as  much,  if  not 
more,  than  I  am  able  to  undergo  ;  for  1  have  already 
had,  within  less  than  a  year,  two  severe  attacks  ; — the 
last  worse  than  the  first : — a  third,  it  is  more  than  pro- 
oable,  will  put  me  to  sleep  wit.i  my  fathers — at  what 
distance  this  may  be,  I  know  not." 

VOL.  II.  9 


16  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1789 

At  the  commencement  of  the  Presidency  of  General 
W*  SHINGTON,  a  variety  of  circumstances  combined  to 
create  anxiety  and  apprehension  respecting  the  opera- 
tions of  the  government. 

The  relation  of  the  country  with  foreign  powers 
was  critical  and  embarrassing.  Spain  discovered 
jealousies  of  the  American  people,  and  manifested  a 
disposition  to  check  their  progress  to  national  wealth 
and  strength.  She  had  refused  negotiation  with  the 
American  government,  and  denied  to  its  subjects  the 
navigation  of  the  Mississippi  south  of  the  boundary  of 
the  United  States. 

Between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States,  great 
causes  of  altercation  existed.  Just  complaints  of  the 
non-execution  of  essential  articles  of  the  treaty  of 
peace  were  mutually  made,  and  an  irritable  state  of 
mind  appeared  in  both  nations,  which  rendered  the  ad- 
justment of  the  controversy  the  more  difficult. 

France  early  discovered  a  disposition  to  take  advan- 
tage of  the  partiality  of  the  American  people,  to  gain 
an  influence  in  their  councils,  and  to  acquire  the  con- 
trol of  their  destiny. 

The  Indians,  through  the  whole"  extent  of  the  west- 
ern frontier,  manifested  great  inquietude.  Their  jea- 
lousies of  the  United  States  were  supposed  to  havfc 
been  excited  by  the  intrigues  of  Spanish  and  British 
partisans,  and  most  of  the  tribes  assumed  a  very  threat- 
ening attitude. 

In  addition  to  these  foreign  difficulties,  there  wfire 
considerations  of  a  domestick  nature,  peculiarly  calcu- 
lated to  excite  apprehension. 

The  whole  plan  of  the  Federal  Government  wa« 
new.  In  no  branch  of  it  was  there  a  precedent ;  but 
first  principles  and  general  rules  were  to  be  established 
in  every  department.  The  United  States  were  with- 
out funds  or  revenue,  and  were  destitute  of  pubiick 
eredit. 

Many  distinguished  characters,  in  different  parts  of 


1789.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON, 

the  Union,  were  from  the  first  opposed  t<»  the  Federal 
Constitution.  Debates  in  state  Convei.  turns  on  iti 
principles,  had  enkindled  no  inconsiderable  degree  of 
animosity.  It  had  been  ratified  in  them  generally  by 
small  majorities,  and  in  some  instances  this  majority 
had  been  obtained,  by  annexing  provisional  amend 
ments  to  the  ratmcation.  It  was  therefore  to  be  ap 
prehended  that  many  of  the  members  of  the  Legisla- 
ture were  hostile  to  the  Constitution,  and  would,  un- 
der the  idea  of  amending,  sacrifice  its  spirit,  or  by  their 
opposition  to  every  salutary  measure,  prevent  an  ex- 
periment of  a  republican  form  of  Government,  auspi- 
ciously begun,  from  being  fairly  completed. 

Happily  the  American  people  retained  their  confi- 
dence in  those  distinguished  statesmen,  vvho  had  been 
their  leaders  in  the  controversy  with  Great  Britain, 
which  terminated  in  National  Independence  ;  and 
these  statesmen,  imitating  at  this  crisis  the  publick 
spirit  of  the  General  of  the  revolutionary  war,  con- 
sented to  forego  the  pleasures  and  emoluments  of  pri- 
vate life,  for  the  service  of  their  country.  Many  of 
them  were  the  successful  candidates  for  popular  suf- 
frage to  compose  the  Legislature  of  the  nation,  and  the 
first  Congress  consisted  of  men  eminent  for  their  ta- 
lents and  political  information,  and  venerable  for  their 
patriotism  and  virtue.  A  decided  majority  of  these 
were  the  friends  of  the  Constitution,  and  were  dispos- 
ed to  make  every  exertion  to  carry  it  into  execution 
upon  a  liberal  and  efficient  plan. 

One  of  the  first  acts  of  the  Legislature  was  to  esta 
blish  those  departments  which  were  necessary  to  aid 
the  Executive  in  the  administration  of  the  govern 
raent. 

In  filling  these  departments,  the  President  was  to 
perform  an  important  and  delicate  duty.  Application* 
for  office  had  been  numerous,  and  the  following  ex- 
tract of  a  letter  written  to  a  friend,  who  had  applied 
even  before  General  WA«H"*GTON  accepted  the  P-esi 


100  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1789 

dency,  will  show  the  disposition  with  which  he  exe 
cu  ">d  this  trust. 

"  Should  it  become  absolutely  necessary  fcr  me  to 
occupy  the  station  in  which  your  letter  presupposes 
me,  1  have  determined  to  go  into  it,  perfectly  free 
from  all  engagements  of  every  nature  whatsoever 
A  conduct  in  conformity  to  this  resolution,  would  en- 
able rue  in  balancing  the  various  pretensions  of  diffe- 
rent candidates  for  appointments,  to  act  with  a  sole 
reference  to  justice  and  the  publick  good.  This  is,  in 
substance,  the  answer  that  1  have  given  to  all  applica- 
tions (and  they  are  not  few)  which  have  already  been 
made.  Among  the  places  sought  after  in  these  appli- 
cations, I  must  not  conceal  that  the  office  to  which 
you  particularly  allude,  is  comprehended.  This  fact, 
I  tell  you  merely  as  a  matter  of  information.  My  ge- 
neral manner  of  thinking,  as  to  the  propriety  of  hold- 
ing myself  totally  disengaged,  will  apologize  for  my 
not  enlarging  further  on  the  subject.  ' 

"  Though  I  am  sensible  that  the  publick  suffrage 
which  places  a  man  in  office,  should  prevent  him  from 
being  swayed,  in  the  execution  of  it,  by  his  private  in- 
clinations, yet  he  may  assuredly,  without  violating  his 
duty,  be  indulged  in  the  continuance  of  his  former  at- 
tachments." 

His  consequent  nominations  fully  proved  the  purity 
of  these  declarations,  and  attested  that  his  selection  of 
characters,  for  the  respective  offices  to  be  rilled,  wa« 
made  with  great  judgment  and  prudence.  Removed 
from  the  influence  of'  local  and  family  considerations, 
he  directed  his  attention  to  the  publick  interest. 
Where  qualifications  were  equal,  the  candidate  who 
could  claim  the  merit  of  publick  service,  had  the  pre- 
ference in  his  appointment. 

His  cabinet  was  composed  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  Secre- 
tary of  State,  Colonel  Hamilton,  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury,  General  Knox,  Secretary  of  War,  and  Mr 
Edmund  Randolph,  Attorney  General. 


1789.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  lOi 

The  session  of  Congress  contiraed  to  September 
perfect  harmony  subsisted  through  this  period  between 
the  Executive  and  the  Legislature,  and  no  circum- 
stance threatened  to  interrupt  it. 

A'.the  adjournment  of  Congress, the  President  made 
preparations  for  a  tour  through  New-England,  to  view 
the  improvements  of  the  country  and  to  judge  of  the 
disposition  of  the  people  towards  the  newly  established 
government.  Accordingly,  on  the  15th  of  October,  he 
began  his  journey  ;  'and,  passing  through  Connecticut 
and  Massachusetts  went  as  far  as  Portsmouth  in  New- 
Hampshire  ;  returning  by  a  different  route,  he  arrived 
on  the  13th  of  November  at  New- York. 

Many  circumstances  were  combined  during  this  visit 
to  excite  his  sensibility  and  to  render  it  grateful  trt  his 
best  feelings.  His  journey  carried  him  through  the 
most  populous  and  cultivated  part  of  the  United  States, 
and  gave  him  a  favourable  opportunity  to  notice  the 
progress  of  the  country  in  those  improvements,  which 
constitute  the  strength,  the  wealth,  and  ornament  of 
society.  He  visited  the  scene  of  his  first  campaign, 
and  must  have  experienced  elevated  reflections  in  con 
trasting  the  present  situation  of  himself  and  his  couii 
try,  with  his  and  their  condition  at  the  commencement 
of  the  revolutionary  war.  Every  where  he  remarked 
a  steady  attachment  to  the  Federal  Government,  and 
received  the  most  grateful  evidence  of  unqualified 
approbation  of  the  measures  of  the  Administration.  In 
erery  place  through  which  he  passed,  business  waa 
suspended,  and  all  classes  of  citizens  were  eagerly  em 
p  oyed  to  obtain  a  sight  of  the  Father  of  their  country, 
and  to  join  in  the  common  expressions  of  veneration 
and  attachment.  Military  parade,  processions,  and 
triumphal  arches,  awaited  him  in  those  populous  towns 
at  which  he  stopped,  and  so  fully  was  the  publick 
curiosity  engrossed  by  his  journey,  that  the  news-pa- 
pers of  the  day  were  filled  with  narratives  of  its  pro 
gress  and  termination 


102  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [178D 

At  Cambridge,  the  Lieutenant  Govemour  and  Coun 
eil  of  Massachusetts  waited  upon  him  and  accompani- 
ed him  to  Boston,  escorted  by  a  numerous  collection 
of  citizens,  under  the  direction  of  the  Marshal  of  the 
District,  and  the  Sheriff  of  Suffolk.  The  Selectmen 
received  him  at  Uie  entrance  of  the  town,  and  from  it 
a  procession  of  the  inhabitants  wa^  formed,  wl.  ich  ex- 
tonded  to  the  State  House  ;'an  interesting  part  of  this 
procession,  and  which  engaged  the  special  attention 
of  the  President,  was  the  male  children  of  the  town, 
under  their  respective  literary  instructers.  This  pro- 
cession opened  to  the  right  and  left,  and  he  on  horse- 
back, preceded  by  companies  of  artillery  and  infantry, 
by  the  Lieutenant  Governour  and  council,  the  Mar 
shall  and  Sheriff,  passed  to  the  State  House.  Here  a 
triumphal  atrch  was  erected  from  the  State  House 
across  Cornhill  to  the  opposite  houses.  On  the  top 
of  the  arch  was  a  gallery,  in  which  were  placed  a 
select  choir  of  singers  of  both  sexes.  In  the  middle 
of  the  gallery  a  pyramid  was  erected.  T)n  one  side 
of  this  over  the  arch,  was  the  inscription,  "  TO  THE 
MAN  WHO  UNITES  ALL  HEARTS,"  and  on  the 
opposite  side  "TO  COLUMBIA'S  FAVOURITE 
SON." 

At  the  end  of  the  arch  next  the  State  House,  on  a 
lar<re  ground,  was  this  inscription,  "  BOSTON  RE 
L1EVED  MARCH  J7,  177<>."  The  President  was 
introduced  through  the  Stale  House  to  a  handsome 
gallery  at  the  west  end  of  that  building,  erected  neat 
the  arch  on  seven  pillars.  As  soon  as  he  appeared  in 
view,  loud  acclamations  broke  from  the  concourse  b» 
low.  He  bowed  to  them,  on  which  the  choir  sang  an 
appropriate  Ode.  He  was  then  conducted  to  a  house 
provided  for  his  use,  and  elegantly  furnished  from  the 
families  of  individual  gentlemen. 

Addresses  were  presented  to  him  from  civil,  literary, 
«nd  religious  corporations,  and  from  all  oilier  societies 
of  any  distinction.  In  these,  grateful  notice  was 


1789.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  103 

ol  his  publick  services,  and  particularly,  of  the  sacri- 
fice he  made  of  private  happiness  in  accepting  the  Pr* 
Bidency. 

In  his  answers,  the  President  reciprocated  the  be- 
nevolent wishes  of  his  countrymen^  in  language  calcu 
lated  to  confirm  their  confidence  and  affection.  He 
thus  replied  to  a  respectful  address  from  the  inhabit 
ants  of  Boston. 

"  I  rejoice  with  you  my  fellow  citizens,  in  every 
circumstance  that  declares  your  prosperity  ;  and  I  do 
10  most  cordially  because  you  have  well  deserved  to  be 
happy. 

"  Your  love  of  liberty,  your  respect  for  the  laws, 
your  habits  of  industry,  and  your  practice  of  the  mo- 
ral and  religious  obligations,  are.  the  strongest  claims 
to  national  and  individual  happiness.  And  they  will,  I 
trustj  be  firmly  and  lastingly  established." 

In  the  renewal  of  direct  intercourse  between  Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON  and  the  companions  of  his  toils  and 
glory  in  the  tented  field,  we  perceive  the  most  inte- 
resting effusion  of  the  refine'd  feelings  of  the  human 
heart. 

"  Amidst  the  various  gratulations,''  says  the  society 
of  Cincinnati  of  Massachusetts,  "  which  your  arrival 
in  this  metropolis  has  occasioned,  permit  us,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  society  of  the  Cincinnati  in  this  Common 
wealth,  most  respectfully  to  assure  you  of  the  ardour 
of  esteem  and  affection  you  have  so  indelibly  fixed  in  our 
hearts,  as  our  glorious  leader  in  war,  and  illustrious 
example  in  peace. 

"  After  the  solemn  and  endearing  farewell  on  the 
banks  rtf  t!»e  Hudson,  which  our  anxiety  presaged  a? 
.mat,  most  peculiarly  pleasing  is  the  present  unexp<.tt- 
ed  meetinr.  On  this  occasion  we  cannot  avoid  the 
recollection  of  the  various  scenes  of  toil  and  danger 
through  which  you  conducted  us,  and  while  we  con- 
template various  trying  periods  of  the  war,  and  tha 
triumphs  of  peace,  we  rejoice  to  behold  you,  induced 


104  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  78D 

by  the  unanimous  voice  of  your  country,  entering  upon 
oilier  trials,  and  other  services,  alike  important,  an«5 
in  some  points  of  view,  equally  hazardous.  .For  the 
completion  of  the  great  purposes  which  a  grateful 
country  has  assigned  you,  long,  very  long  may  your 
invaluable  life  be  preserved.  And  as  the  admiring 
world,  while  considering  you  as  a  soldier,  have  long 
wanted  a  comparison,  may  your  virtues  and  talents  aa 
a  statesman  leave  them  without  a  parallel. 

"  It  is  not  in  words  to  express  an  attachment  found 
ed  like  ours.  We  can  only  say,  that  when  soldiers, 
our  greatest  pride  was  a  promptitude  of  obedience  to 
'  your  orders ;  as  citizens,  our  supreme  ambition  is  to 
maintain  the  character  of  firm  supporters  of  that  no- 
blq  fabrick  of  Federal  Government  over  which  you 
preside. 

"  As  members  of  the  society  of  the  Cincinnati,  it  will 
be  our  endeavour  to  cherish  those  sacred  principles  of 
charity  and  paternal  attachment  which  our  institution 
inculcates.  And  while  our  conduct  is  thus  regulated, 
we  can  never  want  the  patronage  of  the  first  of  patri- 
ots and  the  best  of  men." 

,To  whicn  the  President  thus  replied. 

"  In  reciprocating  with  gratitude  and  sincerity,  the 
multiplied  and  affecting  grat illations  of  my  fellow 
citiztns  of  this  Commonwealth,  they  will  all  of  them 
with  justice  allow  me  to  say,  that  none  can  be  dearer 
to  me  than  the  affectionate  assurances  which  you  have 
expressed.  Dear  indeed  is  the  occasion  which  restores 
an  intercourse  with  my  faithful  associates  in  prosper- 
ous and  adverse  fortune  ;  and  enhanced  are  the  tri- 
umphs of  peace~participated  with  those  whose  virtue 
and  valour  so  largely  contributed  to  procure  them 
To  that  virtue  and  valour,  your  country  has  confessed 
her  obligations.  Be  mine  the  grateful  task  to  add  the 
testimony  of  a  connexion  which  it  was  my  pride  t« 
own  in  the  field,  and  is  now  my  happiness  to  ackuow 
ledge  in  the  enjoyments  of  peace  and  freedom. 


I789.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1<» 

"  Regulating  your  conduct  by  those  principles  which 
have  heretofore  governed  your  actions  as  men,  soldieid, 
and  citizens,  you  will  repeat  the  obligations  conferred 
on  your  country,  and  you  will  transmit  to  posterity  an 
example  that  must  command  their  admiration  and 
grateful  praise.  Long  may  you  continue  to  enjoy  tho 
endearments  of  paternal  attachment  and  the  heartfelt 
happiness  of  reflecting  that  you  have  faithfully  done 
your  duty. 

"  While  I  am  permitted  to  possess  the  consciousness 
of  this  worth,  which  has  long  bound  me  to  you  by 
every  tie  of  affection  and  esteem,  1  will  continue  to 
De  your  sincere  and  faithful  friend." 

The  first  diplomatick  transaction  of  the  President 
was  with  the  -Indian  tribes.  He  conceived  it  to  be 
true  policy  to  •"  cultivate  an  intimate  intercourse  with 
the  Indians  upon  principles  calculated  to  advance  their 
happiness,  and  to  attach  them  firmly  to  the  United 
States." 

With  these  views  he  early  opened  negotiations  with 
them,  and  the  interests  of  several  of  the  states  being 
closely  connected  with  treaties  that,  might  be  made,  he 
asked,  during  the  first  session  of  Congress,  the  advico 
of  the  Senate  upon  questions  that  were  at  issue. 

The  first  attempt,  to  establish  a  peace  with  the  Creek 
Indians  failed.  M'Gillivray,  their  Chief,  was  the  .son 
of  a  white  man,  and  his  resentment  had  been  keenly 
excited  against  the  state  of  Georgia  by  the  confisca- 
tion of  lands  which  his  father  had  holden. ;  and  more 
particularly  by  the  claim  of  that  government  to  a  large 
tract  on  the  Oconee  in  virtue  of  an  Indian  purchase, 
(he  validity  of  which  the  Creek  hation  denied.  Ge- 
neral Lincoln,  Mr.  Griffin,  and  Colonel  Humphries 
were  deputed  Commissioners  to  negotiate  with  the 
Creeks  in  the  summer  of  178!).  They  met  M'Gilli- 
vray with  other  Chiefs,  and  about  two  thousand  of  the 
tribe  at  Rock  landing,  on  the  Oconee,  on  the  frontiers 
rtf  Georgia.  Although  first  appearances  promised 


106  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1790-5 

success  to  the  mission,  yet  M'Gillivray  suddenly  broke 
off  the  negotiation  far  the  ostensible  reason  of  a  dis- 
pute about  boundaries,  but  really,  as  was  supposed, 
through  the  influence  of  the  Spanish  government. 

The  situation  of  the  United  States  in  their  relation 
with  the  Indians  became  more  and  more  critical  avid 
embarrassing,  and  war  was  threatened  with  all  the 
Iribee  from  Canada  to  Louisiana.  The  danger  was 
the  more  formidable  from  the  supposition  that  the 
jealousies  of  the  Indians  were  excited  by  the  intrigues 
of  British  and  S-piinish  agents,  and  that  an  Indian  war 
would  probably  lead  to  hostilities  with  those  powers. 

Ardently  desirous  to  secure  the  frontiers  from  the 
horrourst  of  Indian  warfare,  the  President  again  at- 
tempted to  negotiate  with  the  Creeks,  without  com- 
mitting the  dignity  of  government.  He  sent  Colo- 
Willett,  a  gallant  revolutionary  officer,  into  their  coun- 
try, apparently  upon  private  business  ;  but  furnished 
witli  credentials,  to  he  used  if  he  found  M'Gillivray 
disposed  for  peace.  This  second  mission  proved  suc- 
cessful. M'Gillivray  and  a  number  of  Creek  Chiefs 
were  induced  to  repair  to  New- York,  where  negotia- 
tions were  immediately  opened,  and  a  treaty  soon  es- 
tablished: although  the  Secretary  of  East  Florida  came 
to  New-York  with  a  large  sum  of  money,  under  a  pre- 
tence of  purchasing  flour,  but  in  fact  to  prevent  M'Gil- 
livray from  treating. 

The  attempt  to  establish  peace  with  the  Indians  of 
the  Wabash  and  the  Miamis  did  not  terminate  so  suc- 
cessfully. The  American  settlers  on  that  frontier  con- 
tinued to  suffe  from  their  .hostilities,  and  all  appear- 
ances indicated,  that  they  could  be  brought  into  a  pa- 
cifick  disposition,  only  by  being  made  themselves  to 
feel  the  miseries  of  war. 

The  President. was  decidedly  of  the  opinion  that  on 
the  failure  of  negotiation,  a  military  force  should  be 
employed  in  their  country,  which  their  united  power 
could  not  successfully  resist,  and  which  should  be  ada 


J 790-5.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  107 

quate  to  the  conquest  of  their  towns,  »ud  the  destruc- 
tion of  their  villages.  This,  he  conceived,  policy, 
economy,  and  humanity  dictated.  But  Congress,  iu 
their  military  establishment,  did  not  meet  lire  views, 
and  at  the  moment  he  gave  his  sanction  to  the  bill,  he 
entered  in  his  private  journal,  that  he  did  not  conceive 
the  military  establishment  was  adequate  to  the  exi- 
gence of  the  government,  and  to  the  protection  it  was 
intended  to  afford. 

For  the  sake  of  a  connected  view  of  Indian  affairs, 
we  will  in  this  place  give  a  narrative  of  subsequent 
transactions,  although  we  shall  be  carried  out  of  tlte 
order  of  time  in  which  events  took  place. 

The  attempt  to  negotiate  with  the  Indians  north- 
west of  the  Ohio  having  proved  abortive,  the  Presi- 
dent conceived  himself  bound  to  use  the  means  Con- 
gress had  put  into  his  hands  to  protect  the  frontiers  ; 
and  accordingly  General  Harmar  was  sent  in  Septem- 
ber 1791,  into  the  Indian  territories  with  a  force,  con- 
sisting of  about  three  hundred  regular  troops  anri 
eleven  hundred  militia  of  Pennsylvania  and  Kentucky, 
with  orders  to  bring  the  Indians  if  possible  .to  action, 
and  to  destroy  their  settlements  OR  the  waters  of  the 
Scioto  and  Wabasfe. 

The  Savages  avoided  an  engagement  with  the  main 
body  of  the  American  army,  but  with  great  spirit  at- 
tacked a  strong  detachment  which  had  pursued  them, 
and  killed  several  valuable  officers.  Harmar  destroyed 
their  settlements,  but  aflbrded  no  protection  to  the 
frontiers.  Several  smaller  expeditions  with  variowg 
success  were  made  into  the  Indian  country,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  1791  Major  General  St.  Clair  marched  a 
force  of  near  two  thousand  effective  men  into  thfcir 
territories,  and  on  the  fourth  of  November  was  attack- 
ed and  totally  defeated  by  them. 

The  President,  apprehending  that  the  success  of  the 
Indians,  and  the  booty  they  had  gained,  would  have  in- 
fluence to  bring  other  tribes  into  the  war,  conceived 


108  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [1790-5 

that  the  honour  of  the  nation  was  concerned  to  retrieve 
the  American  losses,  and  to  afford  protection  to  the 
frontiers.  St.  Clair  resigning  his  commission,  General 
Wayne  was  appointed  his  successor."  The  President 
lost  no  time  in  laying  before  Congress  an  estimate  ^f 
such  a  military  force,  as  he  thought  would  be  adequate 
to  the  object  ;  and  they  at  length  acceded  to  his  pro- 
posal. While  these  preparations  were  ripening,  much 
complaint -was  made  of  the  war,  and  the  President  was 
induced,  rather  from  a  desire  to  convince  the  country 
that  successful  warfare  was  the  only  means  of  peace, 
than  from  any  expectation  of  success  in  the  mission, 
to  send  Colonel  Harden  and  Major  Truemaa,  two 
valuable  officers  and  worthy  men,  into  the  Indian 
country,  to  attempt  negotiation  ;  but  they  were  both 
murdered.  On  the  20th  of  August,  1794,  General 
Wayne  brought  the  Indians  to  an  engagement,  to- 
tally defeated  them,  and  destroyed  their  country  on 
the  Miamis. 

This  action  was  decisive :  it  deterred  other  tribet 
from  entering  into  the  war,  and  induced  the  Miamis 
themselves  to  treat  for  peace.  On  the  3d  of  August, 
'  a  treaty  was  entered  into  by  General  Wayne  with  the 
Indians  northwest  of  the  Ohio,  which  ended  all  hostili- 
ties, quieted  the  fears  of  the  frontiers,  and  gave  univer 
sal  satisfaction. 

As  early  as  1780,  the  President  received  authentick 
intelligence,  that  Spanish  agents  were  intriguing  with 
the  inhabitants  of  the  -Western  country,  to  seduce 
them  from  their  allegiance  to  the  United  States.  Re- 
presentations were  made  them  in  the  name  of  the 
government  of  Spain,  that  while  they  were  connected 
.with  the  Atlantick  States,  the  navigation  of  the  Mis 
s-'ssippi  would  be  denied  them  ;  but  if  they  would  as 
sumo  an  independent  government,  the  river  should  bfc 
opened,  and  their  independence  supported. 

In  1794,  Spain,  suffering  herseLl  the  evils  of  wnr, 
Rras  inclined  to  treat  with  the  United  States.  Sii* 


1790-5  |       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  108 

intimated  by  her  ministers,  that  the  etiquette  of  hot 
court  forbid  her  to  treat,  with  Mr.  Short,  the  American 
resident  at  Madrid,  yet  a  higher  diplomatick  charactei 
would  be  accredited,  and  negotiations  immediately 
opened  with  him.  The  President  placed  full  conn 
dence  in  Mr.  Short,  but  he  thought  it  policy  to  meet 
the  friendly  propositions  of  Spain,  and  in  November 
nominated  Mr.  Pinckney  to  be  the  American  Ministei 
at  that  Court.  In  the  course  of  the  next  summer,  Mr 
Pinckney  repaired  to  Madrid,  and  on  the  20th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1795,  a  treaty  was  signed  between  him  and  the 
Spanish  commissioners,  which  happily  terminated  the 
controversy  respecting  boundary  lines,  and  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  Mississippi  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  nation. 

On  the  8th  of  January,  1790,  the  President  met 
Congre=s  at  their  second  session. 

In  his_  speech  he  congratulated  them  on  the  succeed 
of  their  measures,  and  recommended  a  variety  of  na- 
tional objects  to  their  serious  attention.  Among  these, 
the  following  are  the  principal.  Provision  for  national 
defence  ;  the  means  of  holding  irteieourse  with  fo- 
reign nations ;  establishing  a  rule  of  naturalization ; 
uniformity  in  the  currency,  weights,  and  measures  of 
the  United  States  ;  and  the  promotion  of  science  and 
literature. 

"  Knowledge,"  he  observed,  "  is  in  every  country 
the  surest  basis  of  publick  happiness.  In  one,  in  which 
the  measures  of  government  receive  their  impressions 
so  immediately  from  the  sense  of  the  community  as  in 
ours,  it  is  proportionably  essential."  And  he  concluded 
with  the  following  assurances. 

"  I  shall  derive  great  satisfaction  in  co-operating  •*  ith 
you  in  the  pleasing  though  arduous  task  of  ensuring  to 
our  fellow  citizens  the  blessings  which  they  have  a 
right  to  expect  from  a  free,  efficient,  and  equal  govern 
ment." 

The  answers  of  the  Senate  and  the  House  of  Re- 
presentatives were  cordial  and  respectful,  and  promised 

VOL.  II.  10 


.10  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1790-5 

a  continuance  of  harmony  between  the  Executive  and 
Legislature. 

In  this  session  of  Congress,  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  first  reported  those  fiscal  arrangements  in 
support  of  publick  credit,  which,  in  their  progress  to 
establishment,  were  the  occasion  of  warm  and  ani- 
mated debates  in  the  Legislature,  fully  displayed  the 
discordance  of  politico!  opinion  among  the  members, 
and  excited  that  party  ppirit  which  has  since  convulsed 
the  United  States. 

The  President  readily  gave  his  sanction  to  these  fis- 
cal establishments  of  the  Legislature,  yet  by  this  act 
he  seemed  not  to  lose  the  good  opinion  of  the  opposi- 
tion ;  the  blame  and  odium  fell  upon  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury,  and  upon  the  northern  federal  members 
of  Congress. 

The  incessant  application  to  business  had  a  visible 
effect  upon  the  constitution  of  the  President,  and  at 
tliis  period  he  was  for  a  second  time  attacked  with  a 
violent  disease,  which  put  his  life  in  imminent  danger. 
At  the  close  of  *lhe  session,  therefore,  he  determined 
to  give  himself  a  short  relaxation  in  a  visit  to  Mount 
Vernon.  He  first  made  a  tour  to  Rhode-Island,  which 
not  being  then  in  the  Union,  had  not  been  included  in 
his  visit  to  New-England  ;  and  at  Newport  arid  Provi- 
dence he  received  every  attention  which  affection  and 
respect  could  dictate. 

This  retirement  was  of  essential  service  to  his 
health,  and  at  the  close  of  autumn  he  returned  to  Phi- 
ladelphia to  meet  the  Legislature ;  to  which  place 
Congress  had  adjourned,  at  the  close  of  the  year  1790. 
At  this  time  the  President  noticed  the  rising  disturb- 
ances in  Europe,  and  advised  to  those  precautionary 
measures,  which  had  a  tendency  to  secure  to  th« 
United  Stsxtes  the  benefit  of  their  commerce.  Men- 
tioning to  the  House  the  sufficiency  of  the  established 
revenue  to  the  purposes  to  which  it  was  appropriated, 
ke  expressed  his  hope  "  that  it  would  be  a  favourite 


1790-5.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  Hi 

policy  with  them  not  merely  to  secure  the  interest  of 
tKe  debt  funded,  but  as  far,  and  as  fast  as  the  growing 
resources  of  the  country  will  permit,  to  exonerate  it 
of  the  principal  itself."  The  address  was  closed  in 
the  following  impressive  manner. 

"  In  pursuing  the  various  and  weighty  business  of 
the  present  session,  I  indulge  the  fullest  persuasion 
that  your  consultations  will  be  marked  with  wisdom, 
and  animated  by  the  love  of  country.  In  whatever 
belongs  to  ny  duty,  you  shall  have  all  the  co-operation 
which  an  undiminished  zeal  for  its  welfare  can  inspire 
It  will  be  happy  for  us  both,  and  our  best  reward,  if 
by  a  successful  administration  of  our  respective  trusts, 
we  can  make  the  established  government  more  and 
more  instrumental  in  promoting  the  good  of  our 
fellow  citizens,  and  more  and  more  the  object  of  their 
attachment  and  confidence." 

The  respect  and  confidence  of  the  Legislature  in 
the  Executive  appeared  on  this  occasion  without  dimi- 
nution ;  although  one  of  the  measures  of  the  Presi 
dent  was  for  the  first  time  condemned.  A  member 
from  Georgia  pronounced  the  treaty  with  the  Creek 
Indians  to  be  a  violation  of  the  rights  of  that  state. 

In  this  session  of  Congress  the  Bank  of  the  United 
States  was  established.  Its  constitutionality  had  been 
deeply  argued  in  the  Legislative  body,  and  came  be- 
fore the  Executive  as  a  question  involving  the  highest 
national  interest.  It  was  reviewed  in  the  Cabinet  with 
the  deliberation  it  merited.  The  Council,  on  this  oc- 
casion, as  on  most  others,  were  divided.  Messrs.  Jef 
ferson  and  Randolph  expressed  as  their  decided  opi 
nion  that  the  law  was  unconstitutional.  Messrs 
Hamilton  and  Knox  were  fully  convinced  of  its  consti- 
tutionality. The  President  called  upon  each  member 
of  his  Council  for  the  reasons  of  his  opinion  in  writing. 
These  he  maturely  weighed,  and  being  convinced  him- 
self that  the  law  was  constitutional,  put  his  signature 
to  it. 


J12  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.         [1790-5. 

With  the  3d  of  March,  1791,  terminated  the  period 
of  the  first  Congress. 

President  WASHINGTON  having  made  the  necessary 
arrangements,  and  appointed  an  Executive  Council  to 
attend  to  the  business  of  the  government,  soon  after 
the  close  of  the  session,  commenced  a  journey  to  the 
Southern  States.  On  his  way  he  stopped  at  the  Poto 
mack,  and,  pursuant  to  the  powers  with  which  Con 
gress  had  vested  him,  marked  out  the  f'.le  of  the  Fede- 
ral City,  designed  as  the  permanent  seat  of  govern- 
ment In  the  course  of  this  tour  he  received  the  same 
general  expressions  of  love  and  veneration  for  his  cha- 
racter, and  of  confidence  in  his  government,  which  he 
had  experienced  in  his  northern  c'Tcuit.  And  he  de- 
rived great  satisfaction  in  contemplating  the  improve- 
ments of  the  country,  and  remarking  the  evidences  of 
attachment  to  the  Federal  Government.  The  feelings 
excited  by  this  journey  are  fully  expressed  in  the  fol- 
lowing letter,  written  after  his  return  to  Philadelphia. 

"  In  my  late  tour  through  the  Southern  Status,  I  ex- 
perienced great  satisfaction  in  seeing  the  good  effects 
of  the  general  government  in  that  part  of  the  union 
The  people  at  large  have  felt  the  security  which  it 
gives,  and  the  equal  justice  which  it  administers  to 
them.  The  Farmer,  the  Merchant,  and  the  Mecha- 
nick,  have  seen  their  several  interests  attended  to,  and 
froin  thence  they  unite  in  placing  a  confidence  in  their 
Representatives,  as  well  as  in  those  in  whose  hands 
the  execution  of  the  laws  is  placed.  Industry  has  there 
taken  place  of  idleness,  and  economy  of  dissipation. 
Two  or  three  years  of  good  crops,  and  a  ready  market 
for  the  produce  of  their  lands,  have  put  every  one  in 
good  humour  ;  and  in  some  instances,  they  even  im 
pute  to  the  government  what  is  due  only  to  the  good 
ness  of  Providence. 

"  The  establishment  of  publick  credit  is  an  immense 
point  gained  in  our  national  concerns.  This  I  believo 
eiceciis  the  expectation  of  the  most  sanguine  amonf 


.790-5.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON,  113 

us  ;  and  a  late  instance,  unparalleled  in  this  country, 
has  been  given  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  our  mea- 
sures, bv  the  rapidity  with  which  the  subscriptions  to 
the  Bank  of  the  United  States  were  rilled.  In  two 
hours  after  the  books  were  opened  by  the  commission- 
ers, the  whole  number  of  shares  were  taken  up,  and 
four  thousand  more  applied  for  than  were  allowed  by 
the  institution.  This  circumstance  was  not  only  pleas- 
ing as  it  related  to  the  confidence  in  government,  but 
also  as  it  exhibited  an  unexpected  proof  of  the  re- 
sources of  our  citizens." 

The  hearts  of  all  Americans  were  with  General 
WASHINGTON  at  this  period ;  but  notwithstanding 
these '  jiublick  appearances,  there  was  in  fact  much 
hostility  to  the  government  at  the  Southward. 

On  the  24th  of  October,  1791 ,  the  President  met  the 
second  Congress  in  the  established  form. 

During  this  session  a  great  national  question  came 
before  the  Legislature  which  the  President  was  com- 
pelled ultimately  to  decide. 

The  constitution  provides  that  there  shall  not  be 
more  than  one  Representative  to  thirty  thousand  in- 
habitants. An  enumeration  having  been  made,  the 
House  of  Representatives  passed  a  bill  providing  for 
each  state  to  send  one  Representative  for  every  thirty 
thousand  of  its  population.  This  ratio  in  several  in- 
stances leaving  a  large  fraction,  operated  unequally  on 
the  small  states.  The  Senate,  to  cure  the  evil,  assumed 
a  new  principle  of  apportionment.  They  found  the 
whole  population  of  the  United  States,  and,  dividing  thi« 
aggregate  number  by  thirty  thousand,  took  the  quo- 
tient as  the  number  of  Representatives,  and  then  ap- 
portioned this  number  upon  the  several  states  accord- 
ing to  their  population  ;  to  which  the  House  concurred. 
When  the  President  had  the  bill  before  him  for  hid 
signature,  he  took  the  opinion  of  his  Cabinet  upon  the 
constitutionality  of  the  arrangement.  Mr.  JeiTerson 
and  Mr.  Randolph  thought  the  bill  unconstitutional 
10" 


114  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [1790-5. 

General  Knox  was  undecisive,  and  Colonel  Hamilton 
conceived  that  the  expression  of  the  Constitution 
mi<rht  he  applied  to  the  t)nit°'i  States,  or  to  the  several 
states,  and  thought  it  best  to  coincide  with  the  con 
Btrnction  of  the  Legislature.  After  due  deliberation, 
the  President  thought  the  bill  unconstitutional;- and 
not  hesitating  to  do  his  duty,  h«  returned  it  with  the 
following  objections. 

"  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE 

HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES, 

"  I  have  maturely  considered  the  act,  passed  by  the 
two  Houses,  entitled  '  an  act  for  the  apportionment  of 
Representatives  among  the  several  states  according 
to  the  first  enumeration,'  and  I  return  it  to  your  House, 
wherein  it  originated,  with  tne  following  objections. 

"  First,  The  Constitution  has  prescribed  that  Re- 
presentatives shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several 
states  according  to  their  respective  numbers,  and  there 
is  no  proportion  or  division  which,  applied  to  the  re- 
spective numbers  of  the  states,  will  yield  the  number 
and  allotment  of  Representatives  proposed  by  the  bill. 

"  Secondly,  The  Constitution  has  also  provided;  that 
the  number  of  Representatives  shall  not  exceed  one 
for  thirty  thousand,  which  restriction  is  by  fair  and  ob- 
vious construction,  to  be  applied  to  the  separate  and 
respective  numbers  of  the  states,  and  the  bill  has  allot- 
ted to  eight  of  the  states  more  than  one  for  thirty 
thousand." 

The  adopted  mode  was  in  consequence  of  the  dis- 
sent of  the  Executive  laid  aside,  and,  in  a  new  bill,  a 
Representative  for  every  thirty-three  thousand  to  each 
Itate  was  substituted. 

The  first  Presidency  of  General  WASHINGTON  closed 
without  other  occurrences  of  great  magnitude.  The 
.ast  session  of  the  second  Congress  was  violent  and 
impassioned,  and  the  members  separated  in  a  state  of 
great  irritation,  but  neither  they  nor  their  constituents 
Lad  as  yet  impeached  the  motives  of  the  President, 


1793.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  115 

yet  it  was  then  evident  that,  if  he  -emayied  at  the 
head  of  government,  his  reputation  must  scon  pass 
the  ordeal  of  party  conflict.  He  h;_d  determined  to 
decline  being  a  candidate  for  the  Presidency  at  a 
second  election,  and  to  this  purpose,  had  written  a 
valedictory  address  to  the  American  people  ;  but  the 
critical  state  of  the  country,  and  the  urgent  entreatiei 
of  his  friends  induced  him  to  relinquish  the  determina- 
tion. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

General  Washington  re-elected  President  —  State  of  Parties  —  Pivi- 
sion  in  the  Cabinet  —  The  President  endeavours  to  promote  union 

—  Influence  of  the  French  Revolution  —  Measures  to  secure  the 
Neutrality  of  the  United  States  in  the  War  between  France  and 
Englar.d  —  Mr.  Genet's  illegal  practices  —  He  insults  the  Govern- 
ment —  The  Executive  restricts  him  —  He  appeals  to  the  People  — 
They  support  the  Administration  —  The  President  determines  to 
arrest  Genet  —  He  is  recalled  —  Negotiation  with    Britain  —  Insur- 
rection in  Pennsylvania  —  Democratick  Societies  —  British  Treaty 

—  Communiuatiwn  between  the  French  Executive  and  the  Legis- 
lature ot'the  United  States  —  The  President  refuses  to  the  House 
of  Representatives  the  Papers  resecting  Diplomatick   transac- 
tions —  His  interpositions  in  favour  of  the  Marquis  La  Fayette— 
Takes  the  Son  of  the  Marquis  under  his  Protection  and  Patro- 
nage. 

1703-7.  WHEN  the  constitutional  period  arrived 
for  the  re-election  of  a  President,  it  appeared,  that 
General  WASHINGTON  had  a  second  time  the  unani- 
mous suffrage  of  his  country  for  this  exalted  office. 
He  entered  upon  its  duties  in  the  prospect,  that  the 
administration  of  the  government  woulu  be  attended 
with  accumulated  difficulty. 

The  character  of  the  American  patriot  is  with  reluc- 
tance blended  in  these  pages  with  events  of  a  local  or 
temporary  nature.  It  is  painful  to  reflect,  that  his  fair 
fame  was  even  for  a  moment  sallied  by  the  foul  breath 
of  calumny.  The  pen  is  indignant  to  reqord  charges 
against  his  honour  and  his  patriotism,  charges  which 
their  authors  knew  to  be  wnfo  anded  and  which  waro 


116  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [171)3 

made  only  to  answer  the  purposes  of  a  party.  But  it 
is  impossible  to  portray  the  wisdom,  the  firmness,  and 
prudence  which  were  displayed  during  Ins  second  Pre- 
sidency, or  to  show  the  good  fortune  which  attended 
it,  without  bringing  into  distinct  view  the  circumstan- 
ces under  which  he  acted.  ^Without  a  knowledge  of 
the  dilficulties  which  he  surmounted,  and  the  opposi- 
tion which  he  conquered,  posterity  will  have  no  ade- 
quate conception  of  the  merits  of  this  period  of  his  ad- 
ministration. 

The  difference  of  political  opinion  arising  from  pur- 
suits of  personal  ambition,  from  discordant  views  of 
national  and  state  policy,  and  from  the  danger  to  be 
apprehended  from  the  encroachments  of  democracy,  or 
from  the  abuse  of  power  in  the  constituted  govern- 
ment.-had,  since  the  establishment  of  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution regularly  increased  in  strength  and  asperity. 
It  had  appeared  in  all  the  important  debates  of  Con- 
gress, had  pervadecf  every  part  of  the  United  States, 
and  under  its  influence,  two  political  parties  were  by 
this  time  fully  established,  and  nearly  balanced ;  the 
one  the  warm  advocates,  the  other  the  determined  op- 
ponents of  the  measures  of  the  government. 

Although  the  President  had  readily  given  his  sanc- 
tion to  those  acts  of  the  government  which  had  agitat- 
ed in  the  highest  degree  the  passions  of  parties,  yet 
there  was  that  in  his  character  which  forbade  his  po- 
litical enemies  to  denominate  him  the  head  of  a  party. 
He  had  strong  hold  of  the  affections  and  confidence  of 
the  great  mass  of  his  countrymen,  and  the  most  dar- 
ing of  the  oppositionists  thought  it  as  yet  impolitick 
to  assail  his  patriotism  ;  but  a  crisis  was  evidently  ap- 
proaching, when  he  would  be  un«ter  the  necessity  of 
putting  his  personal  influence  to  hazard,  of  subjecting 
himself  to  the  obloquy  of  a  virulent  party,  and  of  sus- 
taining tin  assault  of  disappointed  ambition. 

Unfortunately  the  spirit  of  political  controversy  and 
division  which  agitated  the  nation,  entered  the  Cabi- 


1793.]          LIFE  OF  WASHING  TON.  1*» 

net  of  the  Executive,  and  discovered  itself  in  almost 
every  important  subject  that  was  submitted  to  their 
discussion.  Mr.  Jefferson  and  Mr.  Hamilton  were  di 
rectly  opposed  to  each  other  on  almost  all  important 
national  questions.  This  opposition  being  frequently 
warmsd  by  the  collision  of  debate,  finally  settled  into 
implacable  political  and  personal  animosity.  The  Pre- 
sident noticed  this  hostility  between  his  counsellor! 
with  grief  and  mortification  ;  and  unwilling  to  part 
with  either,  he  endeavoured  t^  reconcile  them.  In  a 
letter  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of  State  in  August 
171)2,  after  stating  the  critical  situation  of  the  United 
States,  with  respect  to  foreign  nations,  he-  thus  feel 
ingly  touched  upon  the  animosity  that  existed  in  the 
Cabinet. 

"  How  unfortunate,  how  much  to  be  regretted  then, 
that  while  we  are  encompassed  on  all  sides  with  avow- 
ed enemies,  and  insidious  friends,  internal  dissensions 
should  be  harrowing  and  tearing  our  vitals.  The  last, 
to  me,  is  the  most  serious,  the  most  alarming,  and  the 
most  afflicting  of  the  two  ;  and  without  more  charity 
for  the  opinions  of  ono  another  in  government  matters, 
or  some  more  infallible  criterion  by  which*  the  truth 
of  speculative  opinions,  before  they  have  undergone 
the  test  of  experience,  are  to  be  forejudged  than  has 
yet  fallen  to  the  lot  of  fallibility,  I  believe  it  will  be 
difficult  if  not  impracticable  to  manage  the  reins  of 
government,  or  keep  the  parts  of  it  together  ;  for  if, 
instead  of  laying  our  shoulders  to  the  machine,  ailer 
measures  are  decided  on,  one  pulls  this  way,  and 
another  that,  before  the  utility  of  the  thing  is  fairly 
tried,  it  must  inevitably  be  torn  asunder  ;  and  in  my 
opinion,  the  fairest  prospect  of  happiness  and  prospe- 
rity that  ever  was  presented  to  man,  will  be  lost,  per- 
haps for  ever. 

"  My  earnest  wish  and  fondest  hope  therefore  ia, 
UiaJ;  instead  of  wounding  suspicions,  and  irritating 
charges,  there  may  be  liberal  allowances,  mutual  for 


118  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1793 

bearances,  and  temporizing  yielding  on  all  sides.  Un- 
der the  exercise  of  these,  matters  will  go  on  smoothly, 
and  if  possible,  more  prosperously.  Without  them 
every  thing  must  rub  ;  the  wheels  of  government  will 
clog ;  our  enemies  will  triumph ;  and  by  throwing 
their  weight  into  the  disaffected  scale,  may  accom- 
plish the  ruin  of  the  goodly  fabrick  we  have  been 
erecting. 

"  I  do  not  mean  to  apply  this  advice,  or  these  obser- 
vations, to  any  particular  person  or  character.  I  have 
given  them  in  the  same  general  terms  to  other  officers 
of  the  government,  because  the  disagreements  which 
have  arisen  from  difference  of  opinions,  and  the  attacks 
which  have  been  made  upon  almost  all  the  measures 
of  government,  and  most  of  its  executive  officers,  have 
for  a  long  time  past  filled  me  with  painful  sensations, 
and  cannot  fail,  I  think,  of  producing  unhappy  conse- 
quences, at  home  and  abroad." 

To  a  letter  of  Mr.  Jefferson's,  in  which  he  endea 
voured  to  prove,  that  although  he  wished  to  amend, 
yet  he  had  advocated  the  adoption  of  the  Federal 
Constitution,  the  President  thus  replied. 

"1  did  not  require  the  evidence  of  the  extracts 
which  you  enclosed  me,  to  convince  me  of  your  attach- 
ment to  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  or  of 
your  disposition  to  promote  the  general  welfare  of  this 
country  ;  but  I  regret,  deeply  regret,  the  difference  of 
opinion  which  has  arisen,  and  divided  you  and  another 
principal  officer  of  the  government ;  and  wish  devoutly 
there  could  be  an  accr  mmodation  of  them  by  mutual 
yieldings. 

"  A  measure  of  this  sort  would  produce  harmony 
and  consequent  good  in  our  publick  Councils ;  and 
the  contrary  will  inevitably  produce  confusion  and  se- 
rious miscliiefs ;  and  for  what  ?  Because  mankind 
cannot  see  alike,  but  Trould  adopt  different  means  to 
obtain  the  same  end.  For  I  will  frankly  and  solemnly 
declare,  that  I  believe  the  views  of  both  to  be  pura 


1793.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  lift 

and  well  meant,  and  that  experience  only  will  decide 
with  respect  to  the  salubrity  of  the  measures  which 
are  the  subject  of  this  dispute.  Why  then,  when  soina 
of  the  best  citizens  of  the  United  States,  men  of  dis 
cernment,  uniform  and  tried  patriots,  who  have  no 
siriister  views  to  promote,  but  are  chaste  in  their  ways 
of  thinking  and  acting,  are  to  be  found,  some  on  one 
side,  and  some  on  the  other  of  the  questions  which 
have  caused  these  agitations  ;  why  should  either  of 
you  be  so  tenacious  of  your  opinions  as  to  make  no  al 
lowance  for  those  of  the  other  ? 

"  1  could,  and  indeed  was  about  to  add  more  on  this 
interesting  subject,  but  will  forbear  at  least  for  tho 
present,  after  expressing  a  wish  that  the  cup  which 
has  been  presented  to  us  may  not  be  snatched  from 
our  lips  by  a  discordance  of  action,  when  I  am  persuad- 
ed that  there  is  no  discordance  in  your  views.  I 
have  a  great  and  sincere  esteem  for  you  both  ;  and 
ardently  wish  that  some  line  could  be  marked  out,  by 
which  both  of  you  could  walk." 

These  serious  endeavours  of  the  President  produced 
not  their  desired  effect.  The  hostility  of  the  two  Se- 
cretaries remained  in  full  force.  The  Attorney  Gene 
ral  almost  without  exception  coincided  ir  opinion  with 
Mr.  Jefferson  ;  the  Secretary  of  War  generally  accord- 
el  in  judgment  with  Colonel  Hamilton,  and  of  conse- 
quence the  President  was  deprived  of  the  proper  ad- 
vice of  his  Council.  But  he  possessed  in  a  degree 
which  few  other  men  ever  did,  the  faculty  to  suspend 
his  own  judgment  on  every  important  subject,  until 
he  had  exhausted  every  source  of  information,  and  had 
fully  weighed  the  opinions  of  those  about  him.  He 
early  established  it  as  a  maxim  never  to  give  his  opi 
nion  on  any  important  question, "until  the  moment  that 
a  decision  was  necessary,  and  from  a  rigid  adherence 
to  this  maxim,  on  many  critical  occasions  he  derived 
singular  advantage.  In  deliberating  upon  national 
•ubjects  submitted  to  him  as  the  Supreme  Executive, 


120  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [1793 

he  appeal  3d  to  be  raised  above  the  influence  of  pas 
eions,  prejudice,  and  every  personal  and  local  consi- 
deration ;  and  having  given  every  circumstance  its 
weight,  -to  decide  irom  the  dictates  of  pure  intelli- 
gence. 

This  was  the  political  situation  of  the  United  StateSj 
when  the  French  revolution  had  made  such  progresi 
as  to  acquire  an  influence  over  the  feelings  and  the 
sentiments  of  the  American  peopl ;,  and  to  render  the 
diplornatick  concerns  of  the  government  with  that 
country  critical  and  embarrassing. 

Mr.  Morris,  the  American  Minister  at  Paris,  with 
much  discrimination  noticed  the  surprising  events  that 
were  daily  taking  place  in  France,  and  transmitted  a 
minute  account  of  them  to  the  President  ;  but  while 
waiting  for  instructions,  he  cautiously  avoided  com- 
mitting the  government  of  his  own  country. 

On  the  deposition  of  the  Monarch,  with  all  the 
bloody  and  ferocious  deeds  which  accompanied  it,  the 
President  gave  Mr.  Morris  the  following  information 
for  the  direction  of  his  ministerial  conduct.  The  exit- 
ing administration  in  France  was  to  be  acknowledged  ; 
as  every  nation  possesses  an  inherent  right  to  settle 
the  frame  of  its  own  government,  and  to  manage  its 
internal  concerns  ;  that  the  United  States  would  punc- 
tually pay  the  debt  due  to  France,  and  would  furnish  any 
supplies  to  St.  Dommgo  that  the  parent  country  might 
desire.  Mr.  Morris  was  directed  to  assure  Franco 
of  the  friendly  disposition  of  the  United  States,  and 
that  every  oppo  tunity  would  be  embraced  to  promote 
her  welfare. 

Attached  to  republican  principles,  the  President 
fondly  hoped  that  the  struggle  in  France  would  termi 
nate  in  a  free  government ;  but  his  partiality  towards 
the  new  order  of  things  in  that  country,  was  not  so 
great  as  to  render  him  forgetful  that  the  aid  given  to 
America  was  afforded  by  the  fallen  king,  or  unmindful 
that  he  was  the  head  of  his  own  nation,  whoso  inde- 


1793-7.]      LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  121 

pendenco  and  prosperity  he  ought  to  hold  in  higher 
estimation  than  the  interest  of  a  foreign  people. 

The  prejudices  and  partialities  of  the  American  peo- 
ple towards  England  and  France,  excited  by  the  revo- 
lutionary contest,  had  not  at  this  period  wholly  subsid- 
ed,and  the  commencement  of  war  between  regenerated 
France  and  the  Monarchs  of  Europe,  operated  upon 
their  feelings  like  a  shock  of  electricity.  Reason  and 
judgment  seemed  to  be  laid  aside,  and  nothing  was 
heard  but  the  language  of  passion.  Without  inquiring 
which  nation  was  the  first  aggressor,  Americans  could 
only  see  a  number  of  despots  combined  against  a  sister 
Republick,  virtuously  struggling  to  establish  her  li- 
berty. Their  national  vanity  was  flattered  by  (he 
persuasion  that  the  spark  which  lighted  the  flame  of 
liberty  in  France,  was  taken  from  their  altar,  or,  in 
the  language  of  Di.  Franklin,  "the  French  having 
served  an  apprenticeship  in  America,  set  up  for  them- 
selves in  Europe." 

If  a  few  individuals,  more  cool,  doubted  the  tendency, 
and  dreaded  the  issue  of  the  commotions  in  France, 
they  were  generally  denominated  aristocrats,  the  ene- 
mies of  equal  liberty,  and  the  enemies  of  their  own 
country. 

Although  there  was  no  intention  in  the  body  of 
American  citizens  to  involve  the  United  States  in  a 
war,  yet  they  generally  discovered  an  ardent  inclina- 
tion to  grant  those  favours  to  France,  whicti  must  ine- 
vitably lead  to  a  state  of  hostility. 

The  President  was  at  Mount  Vernon  OP  some  urgent 
private  business,  when  the  intelligence  of  the  declara- 
tion of  war  between  France  and  England  reached  the 
United  Statos.  Perceiving  the  importance  of  the  cri- 
sis, he  -,vith  haste  returned  to  the  seat  of  government. 
On  t'le  day  which  succeeded  that  of  his  arrival,  April 
17,»17i)l5,  he  addressed  the  following  letter  to  the  mem- 
bers of  his  Cabinet,  for  their  solemn  deliberations. 

"  The  posture  of  affairs  in   EurApe,  particularly  ba 

VOL.  II.  11 


122  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.      [1703-7 

twecn  France  and  Great  Britain,  places  the  United 
Stales  in  a  delicate  situation,  and  requires  much  con 
Bideration  of  the  measures  which  will  be  proper  for 
them  to  observe  in  the  war  between  those  powers 
With  a  view  to  forming  a  general  plan  of  conduct  for 
the  Executive,  1  have  stated  and  enclosed  sundry  ques 
tions  to  be  considered,  preparatory  to  a  meeting  at 
my  house  to-morrow,  where  I  shall  expect  to  see  you 
at  9  o'clock,  and  to  receive  the  result  of  your  rettec 
tions  thereon. 

"  Question  1.  Shall  a  proclamation  issue  for  the 
purpose  of  preventing  interferences  of  the  citizens  ol' 
the  United  States  in  the  war  between  France  and 
Great  Britain,  &o.  ?  Shall  it  contain  a  declaration  of 
neutrality  -or  not  ?  What  shall  it  contain  ? 

"  Question  IA.  Shall  a  minister  from  the  Republick 
of  France  be  received? 

"  Question  III.  If  received,  shall  it  be  absolutely,  or 
with  qualifications,  and  if  with  qualifications,  of  what 
kind  ? 

"  Question  IV.  Are  the  United  States  obliged  by 
good  faith  to  consider  the  treaties  heretofore  made 
with  France,  as  applying  to  the  present  situation  of 
the  parties  ?  May  they  either  renounce  them  or  hold 
them  suspended  until  the  government  of  France  shall 
be  established  f 

"  Question  V.  If  they  have  the  right,  is  it  expedi- 
ent to  do  either  ?  And  which  ? 

"  Question  VI.  If  they  have  an  option,  would  it 
be  a  breach  of  neutrality  to  consider  the  treaty  still  in 
operation  ? 

"  Question  VII.  If  the  treaties  are  to  be  considered 
as  now  in  operation,  is  the  guarantee  in  the  treaty  of 
alliance  applicable  to  a  defensive  war  only,  or  to  wai 
either  offensive  or  defensive  ?  ' 

"  Question  VIII.  Does  the  war  in  which  France  i» 
engaged  appear  to  be  offensire  or  defensive  on  her 
part  i  Or  of  a  mixed  and  equivocal  character  ? 


1793-7.]     LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  123 

"  Question  IX.  If  of  a  mixed  and  equivocal  cha 
racier,  does  the  guarantee  in  any  event  apply  to  such 
a  war .' 

"  Questior  X.  What  is  the  effect  of  a  guarantee, 
such  as  that  to  be  found  in  the  treaty  of  alliance  be 
tween  the  United  States  and  France  ? 

"  Question  XI.  Does  any  article  in  either  of  the 
treaties  prevent  ships  of  war,  other  than  privateers, 
of  the  powers  opposed  to  France,  from  coming  into 
the  ports  of  the  United  States,  to  act  as  convoys  to 
their  own  merchantmen  ?  Or  does  it  lay  any  other  re- 
straints upon  them  more  than  would  apply  to  the  ship* 
of  war  of  France  ? 

"  Question  XII.  Should  the  future  Regent  of 
France  send  a  minister  to  the  United  States ;  ought 
he  to  be  received? 

"  Question  XIII.  Is  it  necessary  or  adviseable  to  call 
together  the  two  Houses  of  Congress  with  a  view  to 
the  present  posture  of  European  affairs  ?  If  it  is,  what 
tjhould'be  the  particular  objects  of  such  a  call?" 

On  some  of  these  questions  he  had  already  made  up 
hi?  mind,  as  appears  from  his  communications  to  Mr. 
Morris,  but  he  thought  it  expedient  to  take  a  view  of 
the  whole  subject. 

At  the  proposed  meeting,  tho  Cabinet  unanimously 
recommended  to  the  President  to  issue  a  Proclamation 
of  Neutrality,  forbidding  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States  to  engage  in  any  act  of  hostility  against  either 
of  the  belligerent  powers,  or  to  -carry  either  of  them 
articles,  contraband  of  war,  and  requiring  them  to  re- 
frain  from  all  acts,  unfriendly  towards  nations  with 
whom  the  United  States  were  at  peace.  This  Pro- 
clamation the  President  immediately  issued. 

It  was  unanimoue'y  recommended  to  the  President 
to  receive  a  Minister  from  the  French  Republick.  The 
Cabinet  was  also  united  in  the  opinion,  that  it  was  in- 
expedient to  call  Congress  together.  On  the  other 
questions  the  usual  difference  of  sentiment  existed 


124  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       N793-7 

The  Secretary  of  State  and  the  Attorney  General 
conceived  that  the  changes  in  the  government  of 
France  made  no  essential  difference  in  the  relation  of 
the  two  nations  ;  but  that  in  all  respects  the  inter- 
course should  proceed  on  principles  established  with 
the  monarchy.  The  Secretaries  of  the  Treasury  and 
of  War,  admitted  the  right  of  a  nation  to  change  the 
form  of  its  government  at  will,  but  denied  its  right  to 
involve  other  nations  in  all  the  consequences  of  altera- 
tions tliey  might  be  disposed  to  make.  The  convul- 
sions of  France  they  thought  threatened  dangers  to 
nations  in  alliance  with  her,  and  maintained  that  the 
United  States  were  at  liberty  to  suspend  the  operation 
of  treaties  with  that  country,  when  it  was  necessary 
for  their  own  safety. 

Messrs.  Jefferson  and  Randolph  also  contended  that 
it  was  inexpedient  to  coine  to  any  decision  respecting 
the  application  of  the  article  of  the  guarantee  to  the 
present  government.  Messrs.  Hamilton  and  Knox 
were  of  opinion  that  France  being  the  aggressor,  the 
war  on  her  part  was  offensive,  that  the  guarantee  re- 
specting only  defensive  war,  did  not  apply  to  the  pre- 
sent state  of  tilings. 

The  President  again  required  the  reasons  in  writing 
of  each  opinion,  and  after  due  investigation  establish 
ed  those  maxims  for  the  support  of  neutral  rights, 
which  he  firmly,  hut  temperately  maintained  through 
the  succeeding  period  of  his  administration;  and  which, 
amidst  conflicts  that  prostrated  the  stablest  pillars  of 
European  governments, preserved  his  country  from  the 
miseries  of  war. 

In  the  state  of  the  publick  sentiment  which  we  have 
noticed,  Mr.  Genet  landed  April  tith,  1793,  at  Charles- 
ton, South-Carolina,  as  the  Minister  of  Republican 
France.  Ardent  in  the  constitutional  temperament  of 
bis  mind,  inflated  with  the  zeal  of  a  new  convert  to 
the  doctrine  of  liberty  and  equality,  he  conceived  that 
the  enlightened  world  felt  a  high  interest  in  the  revo« 


17D3-7.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  125 

htion  of  his  country,  and  that  every  man  of  virtue 
was  disposed  to  espouse  her  cause.  His  reception  at 
Charleston  was  calculated  to  increase  his  most  san- 
guine views.  From  the  Supreme  Magistrate  of  the 
state,  and  from  every  class  of  citizens,  he  received 
warm  expressions  of  enthusiastic!?  devotion  to  the  new 
Repubhck.  Taking  these  as  evidence  of  the  general 
disposition  of  the  American  people,  he  did  not  wait  to 
present  his  official  letter  to  the  Executive,  and  to  be 
accredited  by  him  ;  but  availing  himself  of  the  favour- 
able situation  of  Charleston  to  fit  out  privateers  against 
the  West  Indian  trade,  he  presumed  to  authorize  the 
arming  of  ships  in  that  port,  and  to  give  commissions 
to  cruise  against  the  commerce  of  a  nation  with  whom 
the  United  States  were  at  amity.  Prizes  taken  by 
these  privateers  were  brought  into  American  harbours, 
and  French  Consuls  were  opening  Courts  of  Admi- 
ralty to  condemn  them. 

From  Charleston-  Mr.  Genet  travelled  by  land  to 
Philadelphia,  receiving  in  every  part  of  his  way  the 
same  ardent  declarations  of  attachment  to  France. 
Although  the  unwarrantable  conduct  of  Mr.  Genet  at 
Charleston  was  well  known  in  Philadelphia,  yet  his 
entrance  into  the  city  was  rendered  pompous  and  tri- 
umphal, and  "  crowds  flocked  from  every  avenue  of 
the  city  to  meet  the  Republican  Ambassador  of  an 
allied  nation."  On  the  day  after  his  arrival,  addresses 
were  presented  to  him  from  particular  societies,  and 
from  individual  citizens,  in  which  they  expressed  their 
exultation  at  the  victories  of  France,  and  declared  that 
in  their  opinion,  her  success  was  essential  to  the  safe- 
ty of  the  American  states. 

On  the  18th  of  May  he  presented  his  credentials  to 
the  President.  These  contained  respectful  sentiments 
towards  the  government  of  the  United  States,  and 
abounded  with  devotions  to  the  American  people 
Tho  President  received  him  in  an  open  and  ingenuou* 


126  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [17H3-? 

manner,  and  with  sincerity  expressed   his  regard   foi 
the  French  nation. 

In  this  conference  Mr.  Genet  declared  that  his 
government  had  no  desire  to  engage  the  United  States 
in  the  European  war,  but  wished  them  to  pursue  their 
own  interest ;  yet  he  persisted  in  the  exercise  of  his 
assumed  power,  and  a  French  privateer  captured  an 
English  merchantman  within  the  Capes  of  the  Dela 
ware,  while  on  her  way  to  the  ocean.  This  prize  be 
ing  taken  in  the  waters  of  the  United  States,  and  there- 
fore under  ttie  control  of  the  government,  the  British 
minister  complained  of  this  illicit  proceeding,  and  de- 
manded restitution  of  the  property  unlawfully  taken 
from  his  countrymen. 

The  Cabinet  unanimously  agreed  that  the  proceed- 
ings of  Mr.  Genet  were  not  warranted  by  any  existing 
treaties  between  the  two  nations,  were  therefore  viola- 
tions of  neutral  rights,  and  that  the  government  ought 
to  prevent  the  repetition  of  them.  They  also  agreed 
that  restitution  ought  to  be  made,  of  the  prize  taken 
within  the  waters  of  the  Delaware.  Respecting  prizes 
taken  upon  the  high  seas,  in  virtue  of  commissions 
issued  by  Genet,  and  brought  into  the  American  ports, 
the  Cabinet  w>.re  divided.  Mr.  Jefferson  and  Mr. 
Randolph  held  that  the  government  was  under  no  ob- 
ligation to  restore  them  to  their  original  owners. 
Colonel  Hamilton  and  General  Knox  contended  that, 
to  maintain*an  honest  neutrality,  the  United  States 
were  bound  to  restore  the  prizes. 

The  President  took  time  to  deliberate  on  those  points 
an  which  his  Council  were  not  agreed. 

Principles  in  which  they  were  united,  he  establish- 
ed ;  and  directed  the  Secretary  of  State  to  give  the 
necessary  information  to  the  Ministers  of  France  and 
Britain. 

Mr.  Genet  complained  heavily  of  these  rules  of  th« 
American  Government,  as  a  violation  of  neutral  rifht 


1793-7.]        LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  12V 

and  as  a  breach  of  existing  treaties  between  the  two 
nations. 

In  his  comments  upon  thes?  treaties,  he  claimed  for 
France  every  thing  which  the  two  nations  had  bound 
themselves  not  to  grant  to  other  countries,  converting 
negative  stipulations  which  respected  other  nations, 
into  grants  <•  ?  positive  privileges  to  the  contracting 
parties. 

He  was  informed,  that  out  of  respect  to  him,  the 
eubject  had  been  reviewed  in  the  Cabinet ;  but  that 
the  President  saw  no  reason  to  change  his  opinion. 
Mr.  Genet  still  refused  acquiescence,  and  seemed  to 
have  entertained  the  expectation,  that  he  should  be 
able  so  far  to  avail  himself  of  the  partiality  of  the 
Americans  for  France,  as  to  bend  the  Administration 
to  his  own  purposes,  or  to  overthrow  it. 

Prosecutions  having  been  commenced  against  two 
of  the  American  citizens,  whom  Genet  engaged  at 
Charleston,  to  cruise  in  the  service  of  France,  he  de- 
manded these  men  of  the  civil  magistrate  who  had  ar- 
rested them,  in  the  following  very  extraordinary  ian^ 
guage. 

"  I  have  this  moment  been  informed  that  two  offi- 
cers in  the  service  of  the  Republick  of  France,  citizens 
Gideon  Henfield  and  John  Singletary,  have  been  ar- 
rested on  board  the  privateer  of  the  French  Republick, 
the  Citizen  Genet,  and  conaucted  to  prison.  The 
crime  laid  to  their  charge,  the  crime  which  my  mind 
cannot  conceive,  and  which  my  pen  almost  refuses  to 
state,  is  the  serving  of  France,  and  defending  with  her" 
children  the  common  glorious  cause  of  liberty. 

"  Being  ignorant  of  any  positive  law  or  treaty  which 
d«urives  Americans  of  this  privilege,  and  authorizes 
officers  of  police  arbitrarily  to  take  mariners  in  the 
service  of  France  from  on  board  their  vessels,  I  call 
upon  your  intervention,  sir,  and  that  of  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  obtain  the  immediate 
releasement  of  the  above  mentioned  officers,  who  have 


128  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [17JKW 

acquired  by  the  sentiments  animating- them,  and  bv 
the  act  of  their  engagement,  anleriour  to  every  act  to 
the  contrary,  the  right  of  French  citizens,  if  they 
have  lost  that  of  American  citizens." 

The  President  considered  this  insolent  demand  as 
an  attack  upon  the  honour  and  independence  of  tho 
United  States  ;  but  without  noticing  the  intemperate 
language  of  the  French  Minister,  he  steadily  pursued 
the  publick  interest. 

The  leading  individuals  of  that  portion  of  the  Ame- 
rican people  who  had  been  opposed  to  the  adoption  of 
tho  National  constitution,  and  were  opposed  to  the 
measures  of  the  Administration  under  it,  in  the  par- 
tialities and  prejudices  manifested  throughout  the 
Union  towards  France  and  Great  Britain,  saw  the 
probable  means  to  weaken  the  confidence,  and  alienate 
the  affection  which  the  citizens  of  the  United  States 
manifested  towards  the  President ;  and  in  this  way  to 
bring  about  a  revolution  in  the  national  government. 
In  pursuance  of  this  plan,  the  resentments  and  the  en- 
thusiastick  sympathies  of  the  people  were  fostered  ; 
and  dernocratick  societies,  in  imitation  of  the  Jacobin 
Club  in  Paris,  were  formed.  The  victories  of  France 
were  celebrated  by  feasts,  bonfires,  and  other  publick 
rejoicings. 

The  measures  adopted  by  the  Executive  to  preserve 
the  peace  of  the  nation,  were  vilified  in  the  newspa- 
pers devoted  to  the  opposition  ;  the  proclamation  of 
neutrality  was  declared  to  be  an  exercise  of  power, 
with  which  the  Constitution  did  not  invest  the  Presi- 
dent ;  and  the  measures  of  the  Administration  gene- 
rally were  pronounced  to  be  unfriendly  to  France,  and 
to  carry  evidence  of  their  intention  to  break  with  that 
Republick  and  to  join  in  the  royal  crusade  against 
liberty.  Mr.  Genet  was  justified  in  the  construction 
of  the  existing  treaties  between  the  two  nations,  and 
he  was  urged  to  persist  in  his  opposition  to  the  rnea- 
cures  of  the  American  government. 


1793-7  J       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  12& 

The  President  deeply  felt  the  insult  ottered  to  the 
nation,  by  the  attempt  of  the  French  Minister  to  con 
tinue  the  exercise  of  an  usurped  authority  within  tho 
United  States  ;  but  he  knew  the  importance  of  yield 
ing  to  the  feelings  of  his  countrymen,  as  far  as  con- 
sisted with  the  dignity  of  his  station,  and  with  the  in 
dependence,  the  peace,  and  welfare  of  his  ccuntry 
He  contented  himself  with  confuting  in  a  cool  and  difr- 
oassionate  manner  the  extravagant  positions  of  Mr, 
Genet,  and  inflexibly  adhered  to  his  system. 

Private  business  called  him  to  Mount  Vernon,  and 
he  was  absent  from  the  seat  of  government  from  the 
24th  of  June  to  the  llth  of  July.  During  his  absence 
the  Heads  of  Departments  superintend  3d  the  execu 
tion  of  tho  measures  that  had  been  agreed  upon  in  the 
Cabinet.  At  this  time  an  event  took  place  which  fully 
exhibits  the  rashness  jf  the  French  Minister,  and  shows 
the  difficulty  to  which  'he  subjected  the  administration. 

A  French  privateer  brought  an  English  merchant- 
man, the  Little  Sarah,  into  Philadelphia.  This  vessel 
Genet  equipped  as  a  privateer.  Having  mounted  four- 
teen iron  cannon,  and  six  swivels,  and  taken  on  board 
one  hundred  and  twenty  men,  a  number  of  whom  were 
Americans,  she  was  about  to  sail  under  the  name  of 
La  Petite  Democrat.  In  this  situation  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury  reported  her  case  to  the  Secretaries 
of  State  and  of  War.  Governour  MifHin  was  in  con- 
sequence requested  to  make  examination,  and  on  the 
14th  of  July  he  reported  that  she  was  to  sail  next  day. 
By  desire  of  the  Heath  of  Departments  the  Governour 
sent  Mr.  Dallas,  Secrt  ,ary  of  State  for  Pennsylvania., 
to  request  Mr.  Genet  to  relieve  them  from  the  disa- 
greeable necessity  of  preventing  by  force  the  sailing 
of  a  privateer  equipped  in  their  ports.  This  request 
excited  in  that  Minister  the  most  violent  passion,which 
he  vented  in  very  intemperate  and  abusive  language, 
declared  that  La  Petite  Democrat  would  repel  force  by 
force,  and  threatened  to  appeal  from  tho  Executive  to 


130  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1793-V 

the  people.  Mr.  Jefferson  in  person  waited  upon  him 
to  renew  the  request,-  that  he  would  order  the  priva- 
teer not  to  sail  until  the  pleasure  of  the  President 
could  be  known  ;  Mr.  Jefferson  reported,  that  after  an 
ebullition  of  passion,  and  some  equivocation,  he  un- 
derstood Mr.  Genet  to  promise,  that  the  privateer 
should  fall  down  below  Chester,  and  there  wait  the 
will  of  the  PresiJeiit.  Colonel  Hamilton  and  Gene- 
ral Knox  were  for  taking  measures  to  prevent  her 
Bailing,  but  Mr.  Jefferson,  professing  his  confidence  in 
the  promise  of  Mr.  Genet,  opposed  them,  and  they 
were  not  put  in  execution. 

These  proceedings  were  immediately  reported  to  the 
President  on  his  return  to  the  seat  of  government. 
Mr.  Jefferson  had  then  retired,  indisposed,  to  his  coun- 
try house,  and  the  President  wrote  him  as  follows  : 

"  What  is  to  be  done  in  the  case  of  the  Little  Sa- 
rah, now  at  Chester  ?  Is  the  Minister  of  the  French 
Republick  to  set  the  acts  of  this  government  at  defi- 
ance witli  impunity  ?  And  threaten  the  Executive  with 
an  appeal  to  the  people  ?  What  must  the  world  think 
of  such  conduct  ?  And  of  the  United  States  In  sub- 
mitting to  it ' 

"  These  are  serious  questions.  Circumstances  press 
for  decision ;  and  as  you  have  had  time  to  considei 
them,  upon  me  they  come  unexpectedly,  I  wish  to 
know  your  opinion  upon  them  even  before  to-morrow, 
for  the  vessel  may  then  be  gone." 

IT  answer  to  this  loiter,  the  Secretary  of  State  in- 
ibri.ied  the  President,  that  Mr.  Genet  had  assured  him 
that  the  vessel  should  not  sa;  before  the  decision  of 
the  Executive  respecting  it  should  be  known  ;  and  co- 
ercive measures  were  therefore  suspended.  In  Coun- 
cil, next  day,  it  was  determined  to  detain  the  armed 
vessels  of  belligerents  in  port.  This  determination 
was  made  known  to  Genet,  but  in  contempt  of  it  the 
privateer  sailed.  The  opposition  applauded  even  thil 
ict  of  resistance  in  the  French  Minister.  The  un- 


1793-7.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  131 

wearied  endeavour  of  the  Administration,  by  a  faithful 
observance  of  treaties,  and  an  impartial  treatment  to- 
wards belligerent  powers,  to  secure  the  blessings  of 
peace,  and  the  rights  of  neutrality  to  the  United  States^ 
was  construed  into  a  violation  of  those  treaties,  and 
into  an  insidious  pel. erne  to  force  the  country  into  a 
war  against  France. 

The  French  Minister  persisted  in  his  exposition  of 
the  treaty,  and  in  repeated  letters,  written  in  abusive 
and  insulting  language,  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  da- 
manded  reparation  of  injuries  his  country  had  sus- 
tained. 

The  President  was  at  length  convinced  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  taking  effectual  measures  with  Genet,  and 
on  the  25th  of  July  he  wrote  the  following  letter  to 
Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  As  the  official  conduct  of  Mr.  Genet,  relatively  to 
the  affairs  of  this  government,  will  have  to  undergo  a 
very  serious  consideration,  so  soon  as  the  special  court 
at  which  the  Attorney  General  is  now  engaged,  wi.l 
allow  him  to  attend  with  convenience,  in  order  to  de- 
cide upon  measures  proper  to  be.  taken  thereupon,  it 
is  my  desire  that  all  the  letters  to'and  from  that  Minis- 
ter may  be  ready  to  be  laid  before  me,  the  Heads  of 
Departments,  and  the  Attorney  General,  whom  I  shall 
advise  with  on  the  occasion,  together  with  the  minutes 
of  such  oral  communications  as  you  may  have  had 
with  him  on  the  subject  of  these  letters,  &c.  And  aa 
the  memorials  from  the  British  Minister,  and  answers 
thereto,  are  materially  connected  therewith,  it  will  bo 
proper,  I  conceive,  to  have  these  ready  also." 

The  Executive  proceeded  with  the  unanimous  cm- 
»ent  of  the  Cabinet,  to  establish  a  system  by  which  to 
regulatu  the  intercourse  with  nations  at  war.  The 
rules  adopted  give  evidence  of  the  unalterable  purpose 
of  the  President,  sacredly  to  observe  all  national  en- 
gagements, and  honestly  to  perform  every  duty  due  to 
belligerent  powers ;  and  they  manifest  a  determina 


133  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1793-7 

lion  to  insist  on  the  uninterrupted  exercise  of  tho 
rights  of  neutrality  for  his  own  country.  It  was  also 
pgreed  that  prizes  brought  into  American  ports,  by 
privateers  equipped  in  them,  should  be  restored,  or 
compensation  be  made  for  them,  and  that  armed  vessels 
of  this  description  should  not  b'e  permitted  to  remain 
in  American  harbours. 

These  regulations  were  communicated  to  the  Minis 
ters  of  the  belligerent  nations,  and  in  the  same  letter, 
the  privileges  stipulated  by  treaty  for  France  were 
stated,  and  a  solicitude  was  expressed  for  their  se- 
curity. 

After  deliberate  attention  to  the  conduct  and  corre- 
spondence of  the  French  Minister,  it  was  agreed  that 
a  letter  should  be   written  to  Mr.  Morris,  American 
Minister   at   Paris,  stating  the  reasons  on  which  the 
measures  of  the   Administration  with  belligerent  na- 
tions   were   founded,   giving  information  of  the   disa- 
greement of  Mr.  Genet  with  the  government,  and  re-    ** 
questing  his  recall.    The  communication  to  the  French 
government  on  this  subject    concluded  in  the  follow- 
ing manner.     "  After  independence  and  self  govern-  j 
ment,   there    was   nothing    America    more    sincerely' 
wished  than  perpetual  friendship  with  them." 

The  threat  of  Mr.  Genet  to  appeal  from  the  Presi- 
dent to  the  people  being  reported  on  most  respectable 
authority,  made  a  deep  impression  on  the  publick  rnind. 
That  portion  of  the  American  people,  which  were 
originally  in  favour  of  adopting  the  National  Constitu- 
tion of  government  generally  approved  the  measures. 
of  the  Administration  ;  and  although  they  thought 
favourably  of  the  revolution  of  France,  and  wished 
well  to  our  cause,  yet  they  were  indignant  at  the  insult 
offered  \tj  her  minister  to  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the 
United  States.  The'appeal  having  been  made  to  them, 
they  felt  themselves  constrained  by  every  feeling  of 
patriotism  to  support  their  own  government  in  mea- 
sures they  deemed  to  be  fair,  just,  and  impartial  In 


I7TO-7.]      LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  133 

every  part  of  the  United  States,  the  people  itssmibled 
in  their  towns  and  districts,  to  express  their  opinion* 
on  publick  measures.  The  contest  was  warm,  but  the 
great  majority  of  voices  was  found  on  the  siclo  of  the 
Administration,  its  measures  were  approved  ;  and  it 
fully  appeared  that  the  affection  and  confidence  of  the 
American  people  in  the  President,  existed  in  their 
force  and  efficacy.  Yet  at  the  moment  that-  publick 
indignation  was  expressed  at  the  attempt  to  exercise 
a  foreign  influence  over  the  American  councils,  it  waa 
evident  that  those  who  expressed  it,  felt  a  strong  par- 
tiality in  favour  of  France  in  her  contention  with  Eng- 
land. 

In  the  .spirit  of  conciliation,  General  WASHINGTON 
determined  not  to  take  violent  measures  with  Genet, 
until  the  result  of  tl>e  complaint  lodged  against  him 
with  his  own  government,  should  be  known,  and  with 
magnanimity  he  bore  his  abuses.  But  at  length,  pa- 
tience and  forbearance  were  exhansted. 

In  1794  the  French  Minister  deliberately  planned 
two  expeditions  against  Spain,  to  be  carried  on  from 
the  United  States,  and  granted  commissions  to  Ame- 
rican citizens  to  be  officers  in" them,  who 'privately  en- 
listed men  for  the  purpose.  The  conquest  of  the  Flo- 
ridas  was -.the  object  of  one  of  these  expeditions,  and 
Georgia  was  the  place  of  rendezvous  for  the  troops 
destined  to  this  service.  The  other  was  designed  for 
the  invasion  of  Louisiana,  and  was  to  be"  prosecuted 
from  Kentucky  down  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi.  The 
arrangements  were  all  made  ;  but  before  the  plan  was 
ripe  for  execution,  the  government  interposed,  and 
»omo  of  the  -principal  agents  were  arrested.  No  go- 
vernment, the  President  conceived,  which  had  any 
pretentions  to  independence,  could  subrr.it  to  insults 
of  this  nature. 

Having  consulted,  with  the  Vice  President,  the  Hcada 
of  Departmtmts,  and  other  leading  characters  in  the 
government,  he  determined  to  suspend  the  ministerial 

VOL.  II.  12 


134  L1F-E  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1793-7 

functions,  and  to  confine  the  person  of  Genet.  Mes- 
sages to  the  two  houses  of  the  Legislature  on  this  sub 
ject  were  prepared,  and  orders  were  given  to  the  Mar 
shal  to  take  the  French  Minister  into  custody.  Hut 
the  evening  prsceding  the  day  on  which  these  order* 
were  to  have  been  carried  into  execution,  official  let 
ters  from  Mr.  Morris  informed  the  President,  that  Mr. 
Genet  was  recalled,  which  prevented  the  necessity  of 
carrying  the  measure  to  extremity.  One  instance 
among  mary,  of  the  independence,  the  firmness,  and 
the  good  fortvme  of  President  WASHINGTON. 

Mr.  Fauchet,  the  successor  of  Mr.  Genet,  brought 
assurances  that  Jiis  government  disapproved  of  the 
conduct  of  his  predecessor,  and  made  warm  declara 
tions  of  his  own  disposition  to  consult  the  peace  and 
honour  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  and 
his  practices  for  a  time  corresponded  with  his  lan- 
guage. 

About  this  period,  the  Executive  of  the  French  go- 
vernment made  known  to  the  President  their  wishes 
that  Mr.  Morris  might  be  recalled.  He  immediately 
complied  witli  their  request,  and  nominated  Colonel 
Monroe  of  Virginia  as  his  successo*.  an  appointment 
peculiarly  pleasing  to  the  friends  of  v  ranee. 

The  task  of  the  Executive  was  rendered  still  more 
delicate,  arduous,  and  difficult,  by  the  conduct  of  Great 
Britain. 

The  Court  of  London  had  declined  a  treaty  with 
Congress  under  the  old  Confederation.  At  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Federal  Government,  the  Adminis- 
tration was  disposed  to  negotiate  with  Great  Britain 
without  committing  the  honour  of  the  nation.  Mr. 
Gouverneur  Morris,  who  was  in  England  on  private 
business,  was  directed  to  open  a.n  informal  conference 
with  members  of  the  British  Cabinet  on  the  subject  of 
American  affairs.  With  much  address  he  executed 
this  commission  but  to  little  purpose.  He  informer 
the  President,  that  the  Duke  of  Leeds  and  Mr.  Pitl 


/703-7.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  13* 

manifested  a  disposition  to  live  on  terms  of  amity  an«i 
friendship  with  the  United  States ;  but  discovered  uo 
inclination  to  enter  into  a  commercial  treaty  with 
them  ,  that  they  complained  of  the  neglect  of  the 
American  government  to  execute  the  stipulations  of 
the  treaty  of  peace,  for  which  neglect  they  justified 
their  retention  01  the  Western  Posts. 

In  this  situation  the  French  revolution  found  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States.  At  the  commence- 
ir.cnt  of  the  war  butween  France  and  England,  various 
circumstances  indicated  the  probability  that  America 
would  be  brought  into  the  contention  against  Britain. 

The  warm  and  animated  expressions  of  fraternity 
made  by  the  American  people  towards  France  ;  tho 
festivals  in  celebration  of  French  victories,  and  the 
manifest  partiality  which  many  discovered  for  her  in 
the  management  of  tli'e  war,  probably  led  the  British 
Cabinet  to  think  that  the  United  States  were  disposed 
to  become  parties  in  the  war,  and  induced  them  to 
adopt  measures  to  meet  this  hostile  spirit.  On  the 
other  nand,  the  unfriendly  indications  of  the  English 
Court,  and  the  impressments  of  American  seamen 
in  the  British  ports,  in  addition. to  the  common  vexa- 
tion of  neutrals  on  the  high  seas,  and  the  attempt  to 
starve  France  by  carrying  American  provision  vessels 
into  English- ports,  was  so  much  iuel  to  feed  tli«  pas- 
sions of  the  Americans  already  in  a  blaze. 

In  this  state  of  national  affairs,  the  President  met 
Congress  on  the  4th  of  December,  1793.  In  the  speech 
delivered  on  this  interesting  occasion,  he  thus  noticed 
his  re-election  to  the  Presidency. 

"  Sinse  the  cornrneicement  of  the  term  for  which  i 
have  been  again  called  into  office,  no  fit  occasion  has 
arisen  for  expressing  to  my  fellow  citizens  at  large  tho 
deep  and  respectful  sense  which  I  feel  of  the  renewed 
testimony  of  publick  approbation.  While  on  the  quo 
hand,  it  awakened  my  gratitude,  for  all  those  instances 
of  affectionate  partiality  with  which  I  have  been 


136  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1793-7 

honoured  by  my  country  ;  on  the  other,  it  could  not 
prevent  an  earnest  w-ish  for  that  retirement,  from 
which  no  private  consideration  should  ever  have  torn 
me.  But  influenced  by  the  bilief  that  my  conduct 
would  be  estimated  according  to  its  real  motives,  and 
that  the  people,  and  the  authorities  derived  from  them, 
would  support  exertions,  having  nothing  personal  for 
their  object,  I  have  obeyed  the  suffrage  which  com- 
manded me  to  resume  the  executive  power ;  and  I 
humbly  implore  that  Being  on  whose  will  the  fate  of 
nations  depends,  to  crown  with  success  our  mutual 
endeavours  for  the  general  happiness." 

He  then  ma.de  the  following  communications  re- 
specting the  measures  of  the  Administration. 

"  As  soon  as  the  war  in  Europe  had  embraced  those 
powers  with  whom  the  United  States  have  the  most 
extensive  relations,  there  was  reason  to  apprehend 
that  our  intercourse  with  them  might  be  interrupted, 
and  our  disposition  for  peace  drawn  in  question  by 
suspicions  too  often  entertained  by  belligerent  nations. 
It  a»«ined  therefore  to  be  my  duty  to  admonish  our 
citizen*  of  the  consequence  of  a  contraband  trade, 
and  of  hostile  acts  to  any  of  the  parties  ;  and  to  obtain 
by  a  declaration  of  the  existing  state  of  things  an 
easier  admission  of  our  rights  to  the  immunities  be- 
longing to  our  situation.  Under  these  impressions  the 
Proclamation  was  issued. 

"  In  this  posture  of  affairs,  both  new  and  delicate,  I 
resolved  to  adopt  general  rules,  which  should  conform 
to  the  treaties,  and  assert  the  privileges  of  the  United 
States.  These  were  reduced  into  a  system,  which 
•hall  be  communicated  to  you." 

After  noticing  those  legislative  provisions  which  his 
experience  dictated  as  necessary,  he  proceeded  : 

"  I  cannot  recommend  to  your  notice,  measures  for 
the  fulfilment  of  our  duties  to  the  rest  of  the  worldj 
without  again  pressing  upon  you  the  necessity  of  plac- 
ing yourselves  in  a  situation  of  complete  defence,  and 


1793-7]        LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  "137 

of  exacting  from  them,  the  fulfilment  of  their  duties 
towards  us.  The  United  Stales  ought  not  to  indulge 
a  persuasion  that,  contrary  to  the  order  of  human 
events,  they  will  for  ever  keep  at  a  distance  those  pain- 
ill  appeals  to  arms,  with  which  the  history  of  every 
other  nation  abounds.  There  is  a  rank  due  to  the 
United  States  among  nations,  which  will  he  withheld, 
if  not  absolutely  lost,  by  the  reputation  of  weakness. 
II  we  desire  to  avoid  insult,  we  must  be  able  to  repel 
it ;  if  we  desire  to  secure  peace,  one  of  the  most  pow- 
erful instruments  of  our  prosperity,  it  must  be  known 
that  we  are,  at  all  times,  ready  for  war." 

After  advising  the  greatest  appropriations  for  the 
redemption  of  the  publick  debt,  which  the  resources  cf 
the  count)  y  would  permit,  he  in  the  following  manner 
concluded  the  address. 

"  The  several  subjects  to  which  I  have  now  referred 
open  a  wido  range  to  your  deliberations,  and  involve 
some  of  the  choicest  interests  of  our  common  country. 
Permit  me  to  bring  to  your  remembrance  the  magni- 
tude of  your  task.  Without  an  unprejudiced  coolness, 
the  welfare  of  the  government  rnav  be  hazarded  ; 
without  harmony,  as  far  as  consists  with  freedom  of 
sentiment,  its  dignity  n»ay  be  lost.  But  as  the  legis- 
lative proceedings  of  the  United  States  will  never,  1 
trust,  be  reproached  for  the  want  of  temper,  or  of  can- 
dour, so  shall  not  the  publick  happiness  languish  from 
the  want  of  my  strenuous  and  warmest  co-operations." 

The  party  in  the  United  States,  opposed  to  the  ge- 
neral system  on  which  the  Federal  Government  had 
been  administered,  by  associating  the  cause  of  France 
with  their  own,  had  increased  their  members  in  tho 
present  Congress  ;  but  they  were  not  prepared  to  at- 
tack either  the  discernment  or  the  patriotism  of  thu 
President.  The  House  of  Representatives,  in  their 
answer,  thus  noticed*  the  unanimous  suffrage,  by  which 
General  WASHINGTON  had,  a  second  time,  been  elected 
to  the  Presidency. 

12* 


138  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [179S-7. 

"  It  was  with  equal  sincerity  and  promptitude  they 
embraced  the  occasion  for  expressing  to  him  their  con- 
gratulations on  so  distinguished  a  testimony  of  pubhck 
approbation,  and  their  entir» -confidence  in  the  puritj 
and  patriotism  of  tiie  motives  which  had  produced  this 
obedience  to  the  voice  of  his  country.  It  is  to  virtues 
that  have  commanded  long  and  universal  reverence, 
and  services  from  which  have  flowed  great  and  lasting 
benefits,  that  the  tribute  of  praise  may  be  paid  without 
the  reproach  of  flattery ;  and  it  is  from  the  same  sources 
that  the  fairest  anticipations  may  be  derived  in  favour 
of  publick  happiness."  The  proclamation  of  neutra- 
lity was  in  a  cautious  manner  approved,  and  a  disposi- 
tion was  expressed  to  support  the  Executive. 

The  answer  of  the  Senate  breathed  unreserved  af 
fection  and  confidence.  Referring  to  the  second  elec- 
tion of  the  President,  they  observed,  "  In  the  unani- 
mity which  a  second  time  marks  this  important  national 
act,  we  trace  with  particular  satisfaction,  besides  the 
distinguished  tribute  paid  to  the  virtues  and  abilities, 
which  it  recognises,  another  proof  of  that  just  discern- 
ment, and  constancy  of  sentiments  and  views,  which 
have  hitherto  characterized  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States."  They  declared  the  Proclamation  to  be  "  a 
measure  well  timed  and  wise,  manifesting  a  watchful 
solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  the  nation,  and  calculated 
to  promote  it." 

At  the  close  of  this  year,  Mr.  Jefferson  resigned  his 
Secretaryship,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  E.  Ran- 
dolph ;  and  Mr.  William  Bradford  was  appointed  At 
torncy  General. 

After  a  very  animated  debate,  January,  1794,  a  bill 
passed  Congress  by  a  V3ry  small  majority,  tp  build  six 
frigates,  and  it  received  the  cordial  assent  of  the  Exe- 
cutive. This  was  the  commencement  of  the  Arneri 
can  navy. 

In  November  1793  the  British  government  had  given 
Insiructions  to  her  ships  to  detain  all  vessels  ladci>  with 


1793-7.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  131 

(roods,  the  produce  of  any  colony  belonging  to  Franc? 
or  carrying  provisions,  or  other  supplies  to  those  colo- 
nies, and  bring  them  into  English  ports  for  adjudica- 
tion. 

These  instructions  were  thought,  by  reflecting  men 
in  America,  to  be  proof  of  a  hostile  spirit  in  the  Bri- 
tish Cabinet  towards  the  United  States,  and  Congress 
defined  it  expedient  to  be  prepared  to  meet  the  proba- 
ble event  of  war.  They  accordingly  laid  an  embargo 
foi  the  term  of  thirty  days,  and  with  great  unanimity 
adopted  provisional  measures  of  self  defence. 

While  these  measures  were  in  train,  the  President 
on  the  4th  of  April,  1794,  transmitted  to  Congress  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Pinckney,  who  had  been  appointed 
Minister  at  the  Court  of  London,  which  contained  in- 
formation, that  the  orders  of  November  were  revoked, 
and  instructions  given  to  cruizcrs  to  bring  in  for  adju- 
dications only  those  neutral  vessels  which  were  laden 
with  the  produce  of  French  Islands  on  a  direct  voyage 
from  Uiose  islands  to  Europe  ;  and  gave  the  substance 
of  a  conversation  between  Lord  Grenville  and  Mr. 
Pinckney  in  which  his  Lordship  more  satisfactorily  ex- 
plained the  instructions  of  November  ;  and  manifested 
a  disposition  to  cultivate  peace  and  amity  with  the 
United  States. 

This  communication  made  a  deep  impression  on  the 
Federal  members  of  Congress.  They  thought  that  a 
door  was  opened  for  negotiation,  and  that  war  might 
probably  be  avoided. 

The  opposition  members  and  the  partisans  of  Franco, 
alarmed  by  these  symptoms  of  moderation,  redoubled 
their  attack  upon  England,  and  upon  all,  who  were 
disposed  to  cultivate  friendship  with  her.  Newspapers 
were  filled  with  invectives  of  this  nature,  and  every 
epithet  of  vileness  and  calumny  was  made  use  of  to 
inflame  the  publick  mind,  and  increase  the  hostility  of 
the  nation  against  Great  Britain.  The  majority  of 
Congress  discovered  a  disposition  to  proceed  in  their 


UC  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [17i)3-/ 

military  preparations,  in  which  the  sentiment,  of  the 
community  seemed  to  support  them,  and  general  ap- 
ptarances  still  indicated  approaching  hostilities. 

The  President  foresaw  the  evila  that  must  be  intro- 
duced by  a  war  with  Great  Britain,  in  the  distemper- 
ed state  of  the  publick  mini.  He  knew  that  sne  iTn- 
inanded  lhc£)cean,  that  she  presented  the  best  mar- 
kets for  the  exports  of  the  United  States,  and  furnish- 
ed, on  the  easiest  terms,  those  manufactures  which 
were  necessary  to  his  countrymen.  He  perceived 
tl  at  the  devotion  of  the  people  to  France  would  throw 
the  United  States  into  her  arms,  and  that  his  country 
must  become  a  mere  satellite  of  her  will.  He  was  not 
without  some  apprehension,  that  the  bloody  and  fero- 
cious spirit  that  had  disgraced  the  French  revolution 
might  be  introduced  into  the  peaceable  society  of 
America. 

Under  these  solemn  impressions,  he  determined  to 
use  his  endeavours  to  arrest  the  dreaded  evil,  and  on 
vhe  16th  of  April  he  nominated  in  the  Senate  an  En- 
to%  Extraordinary  to  the  Court  of  Great  Britain,  and 
for  the  following  reasons. 

"  The  communications  which  I  have  made  to  you 
curing  your  present  session,  from  the  despatches  of  our 
Minister  in  London,  contain  a  serious  aspect  of  our 
allairs  with  Great  Britain.  But  as  peace  ought  to  be 
pursued  with  unremit^ed  zeal,  before  the  last  resource, 
which  has  so  often  been  the  scourge  of  nations,  ind 
cannot  fail  to  check  the  advanced  prosperity  of  the 
United  States,  is  contemplated,  I  have  thought  prrper 
to  nominate  John  Jay,  as  Envoy  Extraordinary  of  the 
United  States  to  his  Britannick  Majesty. 

"  My  confidence  in  our  Minister  Plenipotentiary  in 
London  continues  undiminisked.  But  a  mission  like 
this,  while  it  corresponds  with  the  solemnity  of  the 
occasion,  will  announce  to  the  world  a  solicitude  foi 
the  friendly  adjustment  of  our  complaints,  and  a  re 
luotar.cc  to  hostility.  Going  immediately  from  th« 


1793-7]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  141 

United  States,  such  an  Envoy  will  carry  with  him  a 
full  knowledge  of  the  existing  temper  and  sensibility 
of  our  country  ;  and  will  thus,  be  taught  to  vindicate 
our  rights  with  firmness,  and  to  cultivate  peace  with 
sincerity." 

To  a  considerable  part  'of  Congress,  and  to  a  .arge 
portion  of  the  American  prople,  this  decisive  ant  wa§ 
unexpected  and  displeasing  ;  and  it  was  adopted  in  full 
view  of  the  obloquy  and  abuse  of  which  it  would  be 
the  occasion. 

A  motion  made  to  stay  the  proceedings  against 
Great  Britain,  on  account  of  the  pending  negotiation 
was  overruled  in  the  House  of  Representatives  ;  and 
a  bill  prohibiting  commercial  intercourse  with  her 
carried  by  a  considerable  majority  ;  which  was  lost  in 
the  Senate  by  the  casting  vote  of  the  Vice  President. 

The  authority  of  the  Executive  to  issue  the  pro- 
clamation of  neutrality  had  by  many  been  douhted  ; 
his  power-to  call  out  the  militia  to  prevent  the  sailing 
of  privateers,  which  had  violated  his  rules,  denied  ; 
and  the  American  citizens,  who  had  been  prosecuted 
for  engaging  in  expeditions  against  the  nations  at  war, 
had  been  acquitted  by  a  jury  of  trials.  The  President 
therefore,  although  entertaining  himself  no  doubt 
about  his  constitutional  authority,  was  desirous-  to  ob- 
tain the  sanction  of  Congress  for  the  system  he  had 
adopted  to  preserve  the  peace  of  the  country. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  session,  he  intimated 
to  the  National  Legislature  the  propriety  of  the  mea- 
sjire,  and  in  pursuance  of  his  advice,  the  Senate  intro- 
duced a  bill,  prohibiting  within  the  United  States  the 
exercise,  by  Foreign  Ministers,  of  those  acts  of  sove- 
reignty which  Genet  claimed,  and  subjecting  to  fine 
and  imprisonment  those  who  should  be  guilty  of  any 
of  the  acts  towards  the  belligerent  nations,  which  the 
Executive  had  forbidden.  This  bill,  necessary  as  it 
»vas  to  the  honour  and  peace  of  the- nation,  was  oppos- 
ed by  the  whole  force  of  the  Antifederalists,  and  finally 


J42  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1793-7 

passed  tho  Senate  by  the  casting  vote  of  the  Vice  Pre- 
sident. 

On  the  Oth  of  Juno,  J704,  the  session  of  Congress, 
which  had  been  active  and  stormy,  closed. 

In  the  course  of  this  year,  the  President  was  called 
to  an  important,  but  painful  duty  in  administering  the 
djinestick  concerns  of  the  government. 

I  nder  the  last  Presidency  an  act  had  passed,  laying 
•  duty  on  spirits  distilled  within  the  United  States. 

To  the  inhabitants  in  the  Western  Counties  of  Penn- 
sylvania this  was  highly  offensive.  The  whole  district 
had  been  from  the  beginning,  hostile  to  the  Federal 
Constitution.  They  had  with  acrimony  opposed  ita 
adoption,  and  were  in  opposition  to  all  the  measures 
of  the  Administration.  Emboldened  by  the  hoarse  and 
loud  clamours  of  their  party,  they  absolutely  refused 
compliance  with  the  law.  The  President  with  anxiety 
saw  this  combination,  but  waited  in  the  expectation 
that  the  fjuiet  submission  to  the  act  in  other  parts  of 
the  Union,  would  induce  the  people  of  "this  district  to 
yield  obedience.  In  the  mean  time  he  recommended 
to  Congress  to  modify  the  act  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
remove  every  reasonable  objection.  Accordingly  in 
May,  17;i2,  the  National  Legislature  took  up  the  sub- 
ject, and  made  such  alterations  in  the  act,  as  experi- 
ence dictated  would  be  salutary.  This  revision  did 
not  conciliate  the  insurgents.  The  officers,  who  at- 
tempted to  collect  the  duty,  were  violently  opposed. 
In  County  and  District  Conventions,  a  systematick 
opposition  was  planned  ;  and  banishment  from  the  cir- 
cle of  goo.l  neighbourhood,  and  from  all  the  benefiti 
and  pleasures  of  social  intercourse,  was  denounced 
igainst  all  who  should  aid  the  publick  officers  ;  and 
the  officers  themselves  were  threatened  with  every  per- 
sonal outrage,,  should  they  persist  in  the  endeavour  to 
execute  the  duties  of  their  office. 

Knowing  the  importance  of  breaking  this  daring 
combination.  >he  President  issued  a  Proclamation,  ad- 


1794]  LIFE  OK  WASHINGTON.  143 

mo"»isbtng  all  persons  to  desist  from  proceedings  de- 
signed '.o  obstruct  the  execution  of  the  laws,  requiring 
the  interposition  of  magistrates  in  support  of  govern- 
ment, and  directing  the  prosecution  of  offenders. 

The  Proclamation  not  producing  the  desired  effect, 
b.«  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  having  re- 
course to  a  military  force,  by  making  it  the  interest  of 
ti.fi  distillers  to  pay  the  duty.  • 

Prosecutions  were  instituted  against  delinquents, 
•/here  they  could  be  sustained,  the  spirits  distilled  in 
'he  counties  opposing  the  law  were  ordered  to  be  sciz- 
:d  on  their  way  to  market,  by  the  officers  of  the  reve- 
me,  and  the  contractors  for  the  army  were  directed 
.0  purchase  only  the  spirits,  on  which  the  duties  had 
jeen  paid.  But  whatever  were  the  wishes  of  the  dis- 
tillers, the  fear  of  an  infuriated  populace  prevented  a 
compliance  with  these  orders ;  and  the  insurgents 
took  encouragement  from  the  lenity  of  the  Executive, 
in  the  expectation  of  ultimate  success.  By  violent 
threats  they  deterred  the  Marshal  from  the  service  of 
his  precepts,  committed  numerous  outrages  upon  the 
friends  of  government,  and  organized  themselves  into 
military  bands  to  resist  any  force  that  might  be  sent 
to  subject  them  to  the  laws. 

The  President  had  for  three  years  patiently  waited 
the  effect  of  conciliatory  measures,  but  these  had  only 
rendered  the  opposition  more  desperate  He  therefore 
had  only  to  choose  between  the  alternative  of  permit- 
ting the  prostration  of  the  government,  or  to  call  out 
its  force  in  support  of  the  laws. 

The  subject  in  all  its  momentous  consequences 
was  laid  before  the  Cabinet,  and  General  Mifflin,  the 
Governour  of  Pennsylvania,  was  on  this  occasion  call- 
ed into  the  Council.  Their  unanimous  desire  was  to 
avoid,  if  possible,  the  coertion  of  the  military,  and 
they  therefore  advised,  that  Commissioners  should  DO 
sent  to  the  insurgents  to  warn  them  of  their  danger, 
and  to  offer  a  pardon  of  past  offences,  on  condition  cf 


144  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1794 

future  obedience  to  the  laws.  It  was  also  advised 
that  a  proclamation  should  be  issued  in  conformity  to 
the  act  of  Congress,  Commanding  the  insurgents  to 
disperse  by  a  given  day.  But  in  respect  to  ultimate 
operations,  there  was  not  an  unanimity  of  opinion. 
The  Govemour  of  Pennsylvania  thought  that  the  mi- 
litia of  that  state  would  be  insufficient  to  suppress  the 
insurrection,  and  appeared  apprehensive  of  danger 
from  the  attempt  to  call  out  the  power  of  government. 
Mr.  Randolph,  Secretary  of  State,  expressed  his  fears 
on  account  of  the  numbers  and  strength  of  the  insur- 
gents. He  doubted  whether  the  militia  would  obey 
the,  orders  of  the  Executive,  and  march  to  suppress  by 
force  of  arms  this  combination  ;  if  they  should,  he 
doubted  the  success  of  the  expedition,  and  foreboded 
civil  war  in  all  its  Ivo'rrours  as  the  consequence. of  a 
failure. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  the  Secretary  of 
War,  and  the  Attorney  General,  were  of  opinion,  that 
the  President  was  bound  by  the  most  sacred  obliga- 
tions, to  use  the  means  placed  at  his  disposal,  faithfully 
to  execute  the  'law.  They  therefore  advised  him  to 
try  the  power  of  the  government  to  coerce  submis- 
sion ;  and  from  policy  and  humanity  to  march  a  force 
into  the  insurgent  counties,  too  strong  to  be  resisted. 

The  President  did  Hot  hesitate  to  do  his  duty. 
•Without  exerting  the  means  of  prevention  in  his  pow- 
er, he  could  not  see  the  laws  prostrated,  and  the  au- 
thority of  the  United  States  defied. 

On  the  7th  of  August,  he  issued  the  Proclamation 
which  the  law  made  a  prerequisite  to  the  employment 
of  force.  In  it  he  gave  a  recapitulation  of  the  mea- 
sures of  Government,  and  of  tHte  opposition  of  the  in- 
surgents, and  thus  proceeded,  "  Whereas  it  was  in  his 
judgment  necessary,  under  the  circumstances  of  the 
case,  to  take  measures  for  calling  forth  the  militia  in 
order  to  suppress  the  combinations  aforesaid,  and  to 
•auee  the  laws  to  be  duly  executed,  and  he  had  accord 


I7J4.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  145 

ingly  determined  so  to  do  ;  feeling  the  deepest  re- 
gret for  the  occasion,  but  withal  the  most  solemn,  con- 
viction that  the  essential  interests  of  the  Union  de 
manded  it  :  that  the  very  existence  of  govetmnent, 
and  the  fundamental  principles  of  social  order  were 
involved  in  the  issue  ;  :ind  that  the  patriotism  and 
firmness  of  all  good  citizens  were  seriously  called  upon 
to  aid  in  the  suppression  of  so  fatal  a  spirit."  The 
Proclamation  closed  by  ordering  ail  iasurgents,  and  all 
other  persons  whom  it  might  concern,  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  the  ensuing  September,  to  disperse  and 
retire  to  their  respective  homes.  Orders  were  on  the 
same  day  issued  to  the  Govcrnours  of  New-Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia,  for  their  re- 
spective quotas  of  twelve  thousand  nieii,  which  at  a 
subsequent  period  was  increased  to  fifteen  thousand, 
who  wero  to  be  held  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  mi 
nufe's  warning. 

Reluctant  to  draw  the  sword  upon  his  fellow  citi 
zens,  the  President  at.  this  awful  crisis  determined  to 
make  one  more  attempt  to  reclaim  by  mild  entreaty 
his  deluded  countrymen.  The  Attorney  General, 
Judge  Yates,  and  Mr.  Ross,  were  commissioned  to 
bear  to  the  insurgents  a  general  amnesty  for  all  past 
crimes,  on  condiiioii  of  future  obedience  :  but  the  cle- 
mency of  the  government  was  again  spurned,  and  its 
power  disregarded. 

The  insurgents,  forming  an  opinion  from  the  lan- 
guage of  democratic^  societies,  and  from  the  publica- 
tions in  antifederal  newspapers,  seem  to  have  enter- 
tained the  supposition  that  their  disaffection  was  go- 
nerally  felt  by  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and 
that  the  attempt  to  suppress  them  would  issue  in  a 
revolution  of  the  government. 

That  the  Executive- of  Pennsylvania  might  act  in 
unison  with  the  National  Administration,  Gpvernour 
Mifilin  had  also  issued  a  Proclamation,  and  appointed 
commissioners  to  join  those  ol  the  nation. 

Voj..  II.  13 


146  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.          [1794 

The  faction  opposed  to  government  insidiously  at« 
tempted  to  obstruct  the  execution  of  the  orders  of  tha 
President,  but  without  effect ;  the  community  express- 
ed unequivocally  the  determination  to  support  the 
government,  and  to  execute  the  laws.  The  personal 
influence  of  Governour  MifHin  surmounted  the  obstruc- 
tions which  arose  from  the  insufficiency  of  the  militia 
taw^s  of  Pennsylvania  ;  the  officers  and  men  of  »,he  re- 
spective States  obeyed  the  summons  with  an  alacrity 
that  exceeded  the  expectation  of  the  most  sanguine  , 
and  the  required  nu-.Txber  of  troops  was  seasonably  in 
readiness  to  obey  the  orders  of  the  Commander  in 
Chief. 

The  command  of  the  expedition  was  given  to  Go- 
vernour Lee  of  Virginia,  and  the  Governours  of  Penn 
syrvania  and  New-Jersey  commanded  the  militia  of 
their  respective  states  under  him.  This  force  moved 
into  the  insurgent  counties  and  bore  down  all  opposi- 
tion. Thus  by  the  vigour  and  prudence  of  the  Exe- 
cutive, this  formidable  and  alarming  insurrection  was, 
without  the  sacrifice  of  a  life,  subdued. 

The  President  attributed  this  insurrection  in  a  great 
degree  to  the  influence  of  the  democratick  societies. 
This  opinion  he  expressed  in  his  private  letters,  and 
in  his  publick  communications  to  the  Legislature.  In 
a  letter  to  Mr.  Jay,  he  observed, 

"  That  the  self-created  societies,  who  hare  spread 
themselves  over  this  country,  have  been  labouring  in- 
cesf.intly  to  sow  the  seeds  of  distrust,  jealonsy,  and 
of  course  discontent,  hoping  thereby  to  effect  some  re- 
volution in  the  gov  rrnment,  is  not  unknown  to  you. 
That  they  have  been  the  fomenters  of  the  western  dis- 
turbances, admits  of  no  doubt  in  the  mind  of  any  onfl 
who  will  examine  their  conduct.  But,  fortunately 
they  have  precipitated  a  crisis  for  which  they  wera 
not  prepared  ;  and  thereby  have  unfolded  views  which 
will,  I  trust,  effect  their  annihilation  sooner,  than  ft 
might  have  happened." 


1794.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  147 

General  WASHINGTON  had  the  firmness  an/!  indo- 
ncndence  to  denounce  these  societies  to  the  National 
Legislature,  and  to  lend  his  personal  influence  to 
counteract  their  designs,  thereby  bringing  upon  him 
self  their  resentment. 

In  his  official  address  to  Congress,  on  the  19th  of 
November,  he,  as  a  channel  of  publick  information, 
narrated  the  rise,  progress,  and  issue  of  the  insuriec 
tion,  passed  a  merited  encomium  on  the  patriotism  of 
those  who  had  with  alacrity  exerted  themselves  to 
suppress  it,  and  proceeded  to  observe  : 

"  To  every  description  of  citizens,  let  praise  be  giv 
en.  But  let  them  persevere  in  their  affectionate  vigi- 
lance over  that  precious  depository  of  Anver ican  happi- 
ness, the  Constitution  of  the  United  Slates.  And 
when  in  the  calm  moments  of  reflection,  they  shall 
have  retraced  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  insurrec- 
tion, let  them  determine  whether  it  has  not  beet}  fo- 
mented by  combinations  of  men,  who,  careless  of  con- 
sequences and  disregarding  the  unerring  truth,  that 
those  who  rouse,  cannot  always  appease  a  civil  op^- 
vulsion,  have  disseminated,  from  an  ignorance  or  per: 
version  of  facts,  suspicions,  jealousies,  and  accusa- 
tions of  the  whole  government."  He,  on  this  occasion, 
renewedly  recommended  to.  the  Legislature  the  orga- 
nization of  the  militia,  and  made  such  other  commu- 
nications as  the  state  of  the  country  rendered  expedi- 
ent. 

In  their  answer  to  this  address,  the  Senate  said; 
"  Our  anxiety  arising  from  the  licentious  and  open  re- 
sistance to  the  laws  in  the  Western  Counties  of  Penn- 
sylvania, has  been  increased  by  the  proceedings  of 
certain  self-created  societies  relative  to  the  laws  and 
Administrations  of  the  government  ;  proceedings,  in 
our  apprehensions,  founded  in  political  errour,  calcu- 
lated, if  not  intended,  to  disorganize  our  government, 
anil  which,  by  inspiring  delusive  hopes  of  support, 


149  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  11795 

have  been  instrumental   in  misleading  our  fellow  citi 
tens  in  the  scene  of  insurrection." 

They  expressed  an  unqualified  approbation  of  th« 
measures  adopted  by  the  Executive  to  suppress  the 
insurrection,  and  concluded  in  the  following  manner. 
"  At  a  period  so  momentous  in  (he  affairs  of  nations, 
the  temperate,  just,  and  firm  policy  that  you  have  pur 
sued  in  respect  to  foreign  powers,  has  been  eminently 
calculated  to  promote  the  grtat  and  essential  interest 
of  our  country,  and  has  created  the  fairest  title  to  the 
publick  gratitude  and  thanks." 

The  House  of  Representatives  was  not  thus  cordia 
and  approbatory  in  their  answer  to  the  Speech  of  the 
President. 

After  much-debate,  they  omitted  to  notice  the  eon 
Juct  of  the  Executive  with  foreign  powers,  and  they 
made  no  reply  to  hrs  observations  on  self-created  so 
cieties.  In  other  points,  the  answer  was  respectful. 

On  the  last  of  January  17115,  Mr.  Hamilton  resigned 
his  place  as  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Mr.  Oliver  Woleott.  And  soon  after  Gene- 
ral Knox  resigned  the  Secretaryship  of  War,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Colonel  T.  Pickering. 

While  these  events  were  taking  place  in  America, 
Judire  Jay  was  executing  a  commission  in  England 
highly  important  to  his  country. 

From  the  moment  that  he  was  admitted  to  a  confer- 
ence with  the  Hritish  Cabinet,  he  with  the  ardour  of  a 
patriot,  and  the  ability  of  a  statesman,  devoted  himself 
to  the  business  of  bis  mission.  While  decorous  in  his 
behaviour  towards  'he  British  crown,  he  maintained 
tip*  respectability  of  his  own  character,  and  supported 
the  horrmir  of  the  United  Sta  es.  Persuaded  that  wai 
would  be  the  consequence  of  a  failure  of  his  negotia 
lion,  he  patiently  attended  to  the  investigation  of  th* 
subject  in  controversy,  and  finally  agreed  with  Lord 
Greenville  upon  a  treaty  between  the  two  countries 


1795.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  149 

In  a  letter  to  the  President,  he  declared  this  to  be  the 
oest  it  was  possible  to  obtain,  and  added,  "  I  ought  not 
to  conceal  from  you,  that  the  confidence  reposed  in 
your  personal  character  was  visible  and  useful 
throughout  the  negotiation." 

On  the  8th  of  June,  the  President  submitted  the 
treaty,  with  the  documents  which  attended  it,  to  the 
deliberation  of  the  Senate,  that  they  might "  in  their 
wisdom  decide  whether  they  would  advise  and  consent 
that  it  should  be  ratified." 

After  deliberate  investigation,  the  Senate,  by  exact 
ly  two  thirds  of  their  numbers,  the  constitutional  ma- 
jority advised  to  its  ratification,  with  somu  qualifica- 
tion of  the  12th  Article. 

Great  exertion  had  been  made  by  the  party  that 
opposed  the  mission  of  Mr.  Jay,  to  keep  alive  the 
spirit  of  hostility  to  Great  Britain.  The  secrecy  ob- 
served in  the  negotiation  was  pointedly  reprobated  as 
a  violation  of  the  first  principles  of  a  Republican  Go- 
vernment, and  every  circumstance  that  transpired  re 
specting  it,  was  used  as  a  means  to  excite  odium 
against  the  negotiation,  and  prejudice  against  the  trea 
ty.  While  tho  train  was  laying  to  enkindle  a  publick 
Same,  word  was  received  through  a  credible  channel 
that  the  British  Court  had  renewed  the  orders  to  their 
cruisers  to  detain  provision  vessels  bound  to  French 
ports.  Although  the  President  had  previously  deter- 
mined t )  ratify  the  treaty,  yet  on  this  information,  ha 
ordered  a  strong  remonstrance  to  be  drawn  against 
those  or  jers,  and  suggested  to  his  Cabinet  the  proprie 
ty  of  suspending  the  exchange  of  the  ratified  treaty, 
upon  their  revocation. 

In  this  stage  of  the  business,  he  was  called  to  Moun , 
Vernon. 

During  his  absence,  and  while  the  publick  mind  waa 

in  a  state   of  irritation,  a  Senator  in   Congress  from 

Virginia,  violating  the  decorum  a.Eci  the  rules  of  th« 

Senate,  sent  an  incorrect  copy  ofth»  treaty  to  th.» 

13  » 


550  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [179V 

Editor  of  i  democratick  paper,  and  through  the  presi 
it  was  immediately  communicated  to  the  publick.  If 
the  attempts  to  negotiate  were  represented  as  incon- 
sistent with  the  honour  of  the  United  States,  and  all 
the  circumstances  attending  it  criminated  as  a  dere- 
liction of  the  interests  of  a  sister  Republick  ;  it  can- 
not he  supposed,  that  the  instrument  itself,  which  was 
the  result  of  mutual  concessions,  and  the  adjustment 
of  opposing  national  interests,  should  quiet  the  publick 
mind,  subjected  to  the  despotism  of  passion  and  pre- 
judice. Noisy  and  violent  declamation  against  tho 
treaty  abounded  in  every  part  of  the  United  States 
and  few  were  found,  who,  unbiassed  by  national  inta 
rest,  coolly  and  impartially  decided  upon  its  merits 

Publick  meetings  were  holJenin  all  the  large  towns, 
and  intemperate  addresses  denouncing  the  treaty  voted, 
which  were  published  in  the  Newspapers  before  they 
were  presented  to  the  President. 

Pamphlets  were  also  put  into  circulation,  written 
with  ingenuity  and  calculated  to  increase  the  preju- 
dices against  this  national  transaction,  on  the  pretence 
that  it  was  a  sacrifice  of  the  interests  of  France  in  fa 
vour  of  Great  Britain. 

These  violent  movements  deeply  affected  the  Presi- 
dent, but  they  did  not -change  his  determination.  His 
letters,  and  the  general  tenour  of  his  conduct  at  this 
perrod,  discover  the  firmness  and  independence  with 
which  he  was  prepared  to  resist  every  attempt  unsuit- 
ably to  bias  the  Executive.  His  greatest  apprehen- 
sions on  this  occasion  were,  that  France  would  avail 
herself  of  these  popular  commotions,  either  to  force  the 
government  of  the  United  States  into  her  measures,  or 
to  embarrass  the  execution  of  the  treaty,  and  to  render 
its  stipulations  in  favouf  of  American  commerce  inef- 
fectual. In  a  letter  of  the  2!Hh  of  July  written  to  the 
Secretary  of  State, aftermentioning  that  the  stateofthe 
country  required  the  utmost  circumspection,  he  added  . 

"  I  have  Mever  since  I  have  betsn  in  the  administration 


J795.J  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  15: 

»f  the  government,  seen  a  crisis  which,  in  my  opinion, 
has  been  so  pregnant  with  interesting  events,  nor  one 
from  which  more  is  to  be  apprehended,  whether  viewed 
on  the  one  side  or  the  other.  From  New-York  ther« 
is,  and  I  am  told  will  further  be,  a  counter  current; 
but  how  formidable  it  may  appear,  1  know  not.  If  the 
same  does  not  take  place  at  Boston  and  other  towns, 
it  will  afford  but  too  strong  evidence  that  the  opposi- 
tion is  in  a  manner  universal,  and  would  make  the 
ratification  a  very  serious  business  indeed.  But  as  it 
respects  the  French,  even  counter  resolutions  would, 
for  the  reasons  I  have  already  mentioned,  do  little 
more  than  weaken,  in  a  small  degree,  the  effect  the 
other  side  would  have."  In  a  letter  to  the  Secretary, 
of  the  31st  of  July,  having  mentioned  his  determina 
tion  to  return  to  Philadelphia,  and  stated  the  firmness 
and  wisdom  necessary  to  meet  the  crisis,  he  proceeded. 
"  There  is  too  much  reason  to  believe,  from  the  pains 
that  have  been  taken  before,  at,  and  since  the  advice 
of  the  Senate  respecting  the  treaty,  that  the  prejudices 
against  it  are  more  extensive  than  is  generally  ima- 
gined. How  should  it  be  otherwise,  when  no  stono 
has  been  left  unturned  that  could  impress  on  the  mindi 
of  the  people  the  most  errant  misrepiosentation  of 
facts  ;  that  thuir  rights  have  not  only  been  neglected, 
hut  absolutely  sold ;  that  there  are  no  reciprocal  ad- 
vantages in  the  treaty  ;  that  the  benefits  are  all  on 
the  side  of  Great  Britain;  and  what  seems  to  have 
had  more  weight  with  them  than  all  the  rest,  arid  has 
been  most  pressed  ;  tiiat  the  treaty  is  made  with  the 
design  to  oppress  the  French  Ilepublick,  in  open  vio- 
lation of  c"-r  treaty  with  that  nation,  arid  contrary  too 
to  every  principle  of  gratitude  and  sound  policy.  In 
time,  when  passion  shall  have  yielded  to  sober  reason, 
the  current  may  possibly  turn  ;  but,  in  the  mean  while, 
this  government  in  relation  to  France  and  England 
may  be  compared  to  a  ship  between  Scylla  and  Charyb- 
dis.  If  the  treaty  is  ratified,  the  partisans  of  thf 


152  LIFE   OF  WASHINGTON.  [17!)5 

French,  or  rather  of  war  and  confusion,  will  excite 
them  to  hostile  measures,  or  at  least  to  unfriendly  sen 
timcnts  ;  if  it  is  not,  there  is  no  foreseeing  all  the  con- 
sequences that  may  follow  as  it  respects  Great  Britain. 

"  It  is  not  to  be  inferred  from  hence,  that  I  -am,  or 
shall  be  disposed  to  quit  the  ground  I  have  taken,  un- 
less circumstances  more  imperious  than  have  yet  come 
to  my  knowledge,  should  compel  it ;  for  there  is  but 
one  straight  course,  and  that  is  to  seek  truth,  and  to 
pursue  it  steadily.  But  these  things  are  mentioned  to 
show  that  a  close  investigation  of  the  subject  is  more 
than  ever  necessary.  Every  step  should  be  explored 
before  it  is  taken,  and  every  word  weighed  before  it  is 
uttered  or  delivered  in  writing."  In  a  subsequent 
letter,  in  which  he  mentioned  the  increasing  hostility 
to  the  treaty,  he  added,  "  All  these  things  do  not  shake 
my  determination  with  respect  to  the  proposed  ratifi- 
cation; nor  will  they, unless  something  more  imperious 
and  unknown  to  me  should,  in  the  opinion  of  yourself 
and  tl>e  gentleman  with  you,  make  it  adviseable  for  me 
to  pause.' 

On  the  llth  of  August,  the  President  arrived  at 
Philadelphia,  and  on  j^ie  next  day  he  brought  before 
the  Cabinet  tiie  question  respecting  the  immediate 
ratification  of  the  ti-eaty.  The  Secretary  of  Stale  ad- 
vised to  the  postponement  of  this  measure,  until  the 
orders  of  the  British  should  be  revoked.  The  other 
members  of  the  Cabinet  voted  for  an  immediate  ratirV 
cation  with  a  strong  memorial  against  those  orders. 
Wit.i  this  advice  the  President  closed.  The  orders 
were  recalled,  and  the  ratifications  of  the  treaty  ex- 
changed. 

The  President  was  probably  led  to  this  immediate 
ratification  of  the  treaty  by  the  popular  violence,  which 
was  raised  against  it  in  every  part  of  the  United  States. 
He  conceived  that  it  was  necessary,  either  at  once  tc 
arrfst  i'.s-  progress,  or  ultimately  to  yield  to  its  force 
'V'.ic  fcver.t  proved  the  soundness  of  his  judgment  ana 


1795.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  19ft 

Ihe  influence  of  his  character.  Violent  opposition 
ceased.  Reflection  arid  experience  convinced  discern- 
ing men,  that  the  treaty  was  a  wise  and  salutary 
measure. 

On  the  19th  of  August  1705,  Mr.  Randolph  resigned 
his  office  as  Secretary  of  State.  He  had  been  strongly 
suspected  of  breach  of  trust,  and  of  h<  ving  committed 
the  honour  and  interest  of  his  country  in  his  commu- 
nications with  the  -French  Minister.  To  enable  him 
as  he  affirmed,  to  vindicate  himself,  he  i^questcd  tho 
sight  of  a  confidential  letter,  which  the  President  had 
written  to  him,  and  which  he  had  left  in  the  office^ 
His  avowed  purpose  was  to  publish  this,  with  other 
documents,  to  show  that  he  had  been  disgraced  on  ac- 
count of  his  attachment  to  France  and  liberty.  "  1 
have  directed,"  replied  the  President,  "  that  you  should 
have  the  inspection  of  my  letter  of  the  SKid  of  July, 
agreeably  to  your  request  ;  and  you  are  at  full  liberty 
to  publish  without  reserve  any  or  every  private  and 
confidential  letter  I  ever  wrote  you  ;  nay  more,  every 
word  I  ever  uttered  to  you  or  in  your  presence,  from 
whence  you  can  Herive  any  advantage  in  your  vindica- 
tion." Happy  the  ruler,  who  in  the  consciousness  of 
the  purity  of  his  intentions  carf,  in  times  of  political 
agitation,  thus  address  a  suspected  member  of  his 
Council,  who  had  been  admitted  to  his  unlimited  con- 
fidence. 

Colonel  Pickering  was  removed  to  the  departmert 
of  State,  and  Mr.  M' Henry  appointed  Secretary  of 
War.  By  the  death  of  Mr.  Bradford,  the  office  of 
Attorney  General  became  vacant,  which  was  soon 
filled  l-y  Mr.  Lee  of  Virginia. 

In  the  Autumn  of  17!)5  a  treaty  was  negotiated 
through  the  agency  of  Colonel  Humphreys  with  tha 
the  Regency  r,f  Algiers,  by  which  a  number  of  Ame- 
rican citizens,  who  had  been  enslaved,  were  liberated. 

On  opening  the  first  session  of  the  fourth  Congress, 
Dec.  1795,  the  President  congratulated  tho  two  House* 


154  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1795. 

»n  the  prosperity  of  the  nation.  "  I  trust,'  said  he, 
"  I  do  not  deceive  myself  while  I  indulge  the  persua- 
sion that  I  have  never  met  you  at  any  period,  when) 
more  than  at  the  present,  the  situation  of  our  publick 
affairs  has  afforded  just  cr  use  for  mutual  congratula- 
tion ;  and  for  inviting  yon  to  join  with  me  in  profound 
gratitude  to  the  author  of  all  flood  for  the  numerous 
and  extraordinary  blessings  we  enjoy."  Then  making 
a  brief  statement  of  the  situation  of  the  United  Stato 
in  iheir  foreign  relations^  he  thus  proceeded. 

"  Tiiis  interesting  summary  of  our  affairs,  with  re- 
gard  to  the.  powers  between  whom  and  the  United 
States,  controversies  have  subsisted  ;  and  with  regard 
also  to  our  Indian  neighbours  with  whom  we  have  been 
in  a  state  of  enmity  or  misunderstanding,  opens  a 
wide  field  for  consoling  and  gratifying  reflections.  If 
by  prudence  and  moderation  on  every  side,  the  ex- 
tinguishment of  all  the  causes  of  external  discrrd 
which  have  heretofore  menaced  our  tranquillity,  on 
terms  compatible  with  our  national  faith  and  honour, 
shall  be  the  happy  result,  how  firm  and  how  precious 
a  foundation  will  have  been  laid  for  r.ccelerating,  ma- 
turing, and  establishing  the  prosperity  of  our  country." 

Recommending  a  number  of  national  objectff,  to 
the  attent'on  of  the  Legislature,  the  speech  was  con- 
cluded in  the  following  manner. 

"  Temperate  discussion  of  the  important  subjects 
that  may  arise  in  the  course  of  the  session,  and  mutual 
forbearance  where  there  is  a  difference  in  opinion,  are 
too  obvious  and  necessary  £br  the  peace,  happiness,  and 
welfare  of  our  country,  to  need  any  recommendation 
of  mine." 

The  answer  of  the  Senate  was  in  their  usual  cordial 
»hd  respectful  manner. 

A  majority  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  this 
Congress  was  of  the  party  opposed  to  the  general  nd' 
ministration  of  the  government.  To  this  party  the 
British  treaty  was  offensive  ;  and  their  feelings  on  thil 


1795.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  15& 

Bubject  had  an  influence    on  their  reply  to  the  Pres!- 
dent's  speech. 

The  Committee  reported  an  answer,  which  contain 
ed  this  clause  :  "  that  the  confidence  of  his  fellow 
citizens  in  the  Chief  Magistrate  remained  undiminish- 
ed."  It  was  moved  to  strike  out  this  clause  because 
it  contained  an  untruth.  In  the  animated  debate  that 
ensued,  ths  friends  of  the  President  supported  the 
clause,  and  maintained  with  zeal,  that  the  confidence 
of  the  American  citizens  in  him  hnd  suffered  no  dimi 
nution  ;  the  advocates  of  the  motion  with  pertinacity 
averred  that  by  a  recent  transaction  the  confidence  of 
the  people  in  the  President  was  diminished;  and  seve 
ral  of  the  speakers  declared,  that  tliek  own  confident 
in  him  was  lessened. 

To  prevent  a  vote  of  the  House  to  expunge  the 
clause,  it  was  moved  and  carried  to  recommit  the  an 
swer.  In  the  second  report,  this  clause  was  in  such  i 
manner  modified  as  to  pass  without  objection. 

Mr.  Monroe  reached  Paris  soon  after  the  fall  of  Ro- 
bespierre, his  reception  as  the  American  Minister  wa» 
publick,  and  on  the  occasion,  he  gave  the  Convention 
the  most  positive  assurances  of  the  fervent  attach- 
ment of  the  American  people  to  the  interest  of  France. 
.  The  Committee  of  Safety  of  France  ha  1  previously 
written  to  the  American  Congress,  and  the  Executive 
of  the  Federal  Government  being  the  constituted  or- 
gan of  foreign  intercourse,  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  had,  by  their  resolves,  transmitted  this 
letter  to  the  President  with  a  request,  that  he  would 
in  a  respectful  answer  express  their  friendlv  disposi- 
tion towards  the  French  Republick.  Accordingly  the 
Sec  retary  of  State  addressed  two  letters  to  the  Com- 
Riittee  of  Safety,  in  the  rime  of  each  branch  of  the 
Legislature.  These  Mr.  Monroe  conveyed,  and  de- 
livered with  his  own  credentials  to  the  Presid?nt  of 
Ihe  Convention. 

The  communications  of  the  American  Minister  wer« 


/56  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [179& 

received  with  expressions  of  high  giatificalion,  and 
the  Contention  decreed,  that  the  flags  of  France  and 
America  should  be  united,  and  suspended  in  their  hall, 
as  an  emblem  of  the  eternal  union  and  friendship  of 
the  two  Republicks. 

Colonel  Monroe,  to  recip-ocate  this  act  of  fraternity, 
requested  the  Convention  to  accept  from  him  f.ha 
American  flag,  as  evidence  of  his  own  sensibility,  and 
as  a  token  of  the  satisfaction  with  which  his  country 
would  improve  evory  opportunity  to  promote  the  union 
of  the  two  nations. 

Mr.  Adet,  the  successor  of -Mr.  Fauchet,  arrived  at 
Philadelphia  in  the  summer  of  1795,  and  brought  with 
him  the  flag  of  France  as  a  compliment  from  the  Con- 
vention to  Congress,  and  a  letter  from  the  Committee 
of  Safety  to  t-his  body.  He  made  no  mention  to  the 
President  of  this  present  until  December,  intending  to 
present  it  directly  to  Congress,  and  to  avail  himself  of 
t'ho  opportunity  to  address  that  b<xly.  The  President 
and  the  Haads  of  Departments,  perceiving  his  inten- 
tion to  make  a  bridge  of  the  Executive  to  open  a  di- 
rect communication  with  the  popular  branch  of  Con- 
gress, and  apprehending  evil  from  it,  with  address  de- 
feated the  intriguing  scheme.  They  directed,  that  the 
flag  and  the  letter  should  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
President,  and  by  him  presented  to  Congress.  The 
1st  of  January  1796,  was  appointed  as  the  time  on 
which  the  President  would  receive  them.  Mr.  Adet 
on  this  occasion  addressed  him  in  the  impassioned  lan- 
guage of  his  countrymen.  He  represented  France  aa 
exerting  herself  in  defence  of  the  liberty  of  mankind. 

"  Assimilated  to,  or  rather  identified  with  free  peo- 
ple by  the  form  of  her  government,  she  saw  in  them," 
he  observed,  "  only  friends  and  brothers.  Long  ac- 
customed to  regard  the  American  people  as  her  most 
faithful  allies,  she  sought  to  draw  closer  the  ties  al- 
ready formed  in  the  fields  of  America,  under  the  aus- 
pices of  victory,  over  the  ruins  of  tyranny." 


fiW.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  157 

To  answer  this  speech  was  a  delicate  task.  Animat- 
ed expressions  of  attachment  and  friendship  for  France 
were  expected  ;  and  it  \v;is  improper  for  the  Exetutive 
of  a  neutral  nation  t;>  show  partiality  or  prejudice  to- 
wards belligerent  powers. 

The  following  was  the  reply  of  the  President. 

"  Born,  sir,  in  a  land  of  liberty  ;  having  early  learn- 
ed its  value  ;  having  engaged  in  a  perilous  conflict  to 
defend  it ;  having,  in  a  word,  devoted  the  best  years 
of  my  life  to  secure  its  permanent  establishment  in  my 
own  country  ;  my  anxious  recollections,  my  sympa- 
thetick  feelings,  and  my  best  wishes  are  irre.^ist-bly 
attracted,  whensoever,  in  any  country,  I  see  an  op- 
pressed nation  unfurl  the  banners  of  freedom.  But 
above  all,  the  events  of  the  French  revolution  have 
pnxluced  the  deepest  solicitude,  as  well  as  the  highest 
udn:;ration.  To  call  your  nation  brave,  were  to  pro- 
nounce but  common  praise.  Wonderful  people  !  Ages 
to  come  will  read  with  astonishment  the  history  of 
your  brilliant  exploits.  I  rejoice  that  the  period  of 
your  toils  and  of  your  .innicnse  sacrifices  is  approach- 
ing. 1  rejoice  that  the  interesting  revolutionary  move 
ments  of  so  many  years  have  issued  in  the  formation 
of  a  ConsMtution  designed  to  give  permanency  to  the 
great  object  for  which  you  have  contended.  I  rejoice 
that  liberty,  which  you  have  so  l^ng  embraced  with 
enthusiasm — liberty,  of  which  you  have  been  the  in- 
vincible defenders,  now  finds  an  anyluin  in  the  bosom 
of  a  regularly  organized  government  ;  a  government 
which,  being  formed  to  secure  the  happiness  of  the 
French  people,  corresponds  with  the  ardent  wishes  of 
my  heart,  while  it  gratifies  the  pride  of  every  citizen 
of  the  United  States  by  its  resemblance  to  their  own. 
On  these  glorious  events,  accept,  sir,  my  sincere  con 
gratulations. 

"  In  delivering  to  you  these  sentiments,  I  expresi 
cot  my  own  feelings  only,  but  those  of  my  fellow  citi- 

Vi _i..  II.  14 


158  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1793-7 

zens  in  relation  to  the  commencement,  the  progress, 
and  th<:  issue  of  the  French  revolution  ;  and  they  wi!« 
certainly  join  with  me  in  purest  wishes  to  the  Su- 
preme Being,  that  the  citizens  of  our  sister  republick, 
our  magnanimous  allies,  may  soon  enjoy  in  peace,  tha» 
liberty  which  they  have  purchased  at  sc  great  a  price* 
and  all  the  happiness  that  liberty  can  bestow. 

"  I  receive,  sir,  with  lively  sensibility,  the  symbo" 
of  the  triumphs,  and  of  the  enfranchisements  of  you' 
nation,  the  colours  of  France,  which  you  have  now 
presented  to  the  United  States.  Tho  transaction  ;vil 
be  announced  to  Congress,  and  the  colours  will  be  do 
posited  with  the  archives  cf  the  United  States,  whioi 
are  at  once  the  "evidence  and  the  memorials  of  1'ieu 
freedom  and  independence  ;  may  these  be  perpetual ; 
and  may  the  friendship  of  the  two  Republicks  be  com- 
mensurate with  their  existence." 

The  address  of  the  French  Minister,  the  reply  of  the 
President,  tho  flag  of  France,  and  the  letter  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  were  all  transmitted  by  the  Pre- 
sident to  Congress. 

In  February  1796, the  treaty  was  returned  in  the 
form  recommended  by  the  Senate,  and  ratified  by  his 
Britannick  Majesty  ;  and  on  the  last  of  that  month, 
the  President  issued  his  Proclamation  stating  its  ra- 
tification, and  declaring  it  to  be  the  law  of  the  land. 

The  predominant  party  in  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives expressed  surprise,  that  this  Proclamation  should 
be  issued  before  the  sense  of  the  House  was  taken  on 
the  subject  ;  as  they  denied  the  power  of  the  Presi- 
dent and  Senate  to  complete  a  treaty  without  their 
sanction.  In  March  a  resolution  passed,  requesting 
the  President  "  to  lay  before  <he  House  a  copy  of  tha 
instructions  to  the  Minister  oi  the  United  States,  who 
negotiated  the  treaty  with  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
communicated  by  his  message  of  the  first  of  March, 
together  with  the  correspondence  and  other  document* 


1793-7.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  J39 

relative  to  the  said  treaty  :  excepting  such  of  the  said 
papers  as  any  existing  negotiation  may  render  impro- 
per to  be  disclosed." 

This  resolve  placed  the  President  in  a  situaticn  of 
high  responsibility.  He  knew  that  the  majority  of 
the  House  entertained  the  opinion,  that  a  treaty  was 
iiot  valid  until  they  had  acted  upon  it.  To  oppose,  in 
a  government  constituted  like  that  of  the  United  States, 
the  popular  branch  of  the  Legislature  would  be  attend- 
ed with  hazard,  and  subject  him  to  much  censure  and 
abuse  ;  but  considerations  of  this  nature  make  but 
weak  impressions  on  a  mind  supremely  solicitous  to 
promote  the  publick  interest. 

Upon  the  most  mature  deliberation,  the  President 
conceived,  that  to  grant  this  request  of  the  House, 
would  establish  a  fclse  and  dangeioas  principle  in  the 
diplomatick  transactions  of  the  n<uiun,  and  he  gave  the 
following  answer  to  their  request. 

"  GENTLEME.V  OF  THE 

HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES, 

"  With  the  utmost  attention  I  have  considered  yorr 
resolution  of  the  24th  instant,  requesting  me  to  lay  be- 
fore your  House  a  copy  of  the  instructions  to  the  Mini- 
sterof  the  United  States,  who  negotiated  the  treaty  with 
the  King  of  Great  Britain,  together  with  tv'e  corre- 
spondence and  other  documents  relative  to  that  treaty, 
excepting  such  of  the  said  papers  as  any  existing  ne- 
gotiation may  render  improper  to  be  disclosed. 

"  In  deliberating  upon  this  subject,  it  was  impossible 
for  me  to  lose  sight  of  the  principle  which  some  have 
avowed  in  its  discussion,  or  to  avoid  extending  my 
views  to  the  consequences  which  must  flow  from  the 
admission  of  that  principle. 

"  I  trust  that  no  part  of  my'  conduct  has  ever  indi 
cated  a  disposition  to  withhold  any  information  which 
•  he  Constitution  has  enjoined  it  upon  the  President  aa 
a  duty  to  give,  or- which  could  be  required  of  him  by 
either  houso  of  Congress  as  a  right ;  and  with  truth  1 


160  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1795-7 

affirm,  that  it  has  been,  and  will  continue  to  be,  while 
I  have  the  honour  to  preside  in  the  government,  my 
constant  endeavour  to  harmonize  with  the  otherbranch- 
es  thereof,  as  far  as  the  trust  delegated  to  me  by  th« 
people  of  the  United  States,  and  my  sense  of  tho  obli- 
gation it  imposes,  to  preserve,  protect,  and  iefend  the 
Constitution,  will  permit. 

"  The  nature  of/oreign  negotiations  require  caution, 
and  their  success  must  often  depend  on  secrecy  ;  and 
even  when  brought  to  a  conclusion,  a  full  disclosure 
of  all  the  measures,  demands,  or  eventual  concessions 
idiich  may  nave  been  proposed  or  contemplated,  would 
Be  extremely  impolitick  ;  for  this  mi/ht  have  a  perni- 
cious influence  on  future  negotiations,  or  produce  im- 
mediate inconveniences,  perhaps  danger  and  mischief 
to  other  persons.  The  necessity  of  such  caution  and 
secrecy  was  one  cogent  reason  for  vesting  the  power 
of  making  treaties  in  the  President,  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  the  Senate,  the  princ'm'e  on  which  that 
body  was  formed,  confining  it  to  a  small  number  of 
members. 

"  To  admit  then  a  rinfht  in  the  Hr«ise  of  Represen- 
tatives to  denjand  and  to  have  as  a  matter  of  course, 
all  the  papers  respecting  a  negotiation  with  a  foreign 
power,  would  be  to  establish  a  dangerous  precedent. 

"  It  does  not  occur  that  the  inspection  of  the  papers 
asked  for, -can  be  relative  to  any  purpose  under  the 
cognizance  of  the  House  of  .Rf^presentatives,  except 
that  of  an  impeachment,  whish  the  resolution  has  not 
expressed.  I  repeat  that.  1  have  no  disposition  to  with- 
hold any  information  which  the  duty  of  my  station 
fc'tll  permit,  or  the  publick  good  shall  require  to  bo 
disclosed  ;  and  in  fact,  all  tho  papers  affecting  the  ne- 
gotiation with  Great  Britain  were  laid  before  the  Se- 
nate, when  the  treaty  itself  was  communicated  for  their 
consideration  and  advice. 

"  The  course  which  the  debate  lias  taken  on  the  re- 
eoluuon  of  the  house,  leads  to  some  observations  on 


1793-7.]         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  161 

the  mode  of  making  treaties  under  the   Constitution 
of  the  United  States. 

"  Having  been  a  member  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, and  knowing  the  princioles  on  which  the  Coi.sti 
tution  was  formed,  I  have  ever  entertained  but  one 
opinion  upon  this  subject ;  and  from  the  first  establish 
ment  of  the  government  to  this  moment,  my  conduct 
has  exemplified  that  opinion.  That  the  power  of  mak- 
ing treaties  is  exclusively  vested  in  the  President,  by 
and  w  ith  the  consent  of  the  Senate,  provided  two  thirds 
of  the  Senators  present  concur  ;  and  that  every  treaty 
so  made,  and  promulgated,  thenceforward  becomes  the 
law  of  the  land.  It  is  thus  that  the  treaty  making  pow- 
er has  been  understood  by  foreign  nations  ;  and  in  all 
the  treaties  made  with  them,  -we  hc.ve  declared,  and 
(.hey  have  believed,  that  when  ratified  by  the  President 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  they  became 
obligatory.  In  this  construction  of  the  Constitution, 
every  House  of  Representatives  has  heretofore  ac- 
quiesced ;  and  until  the  present  time,  not  a  doubt  or 
suspicion  has  appeared  to  my  knowledge,  that  this  con- 
struction was  not  the  true  one.  Nay,  they  have  more 
than  acquiesced  ;  for  until  now,  without  controverting 
the  obligations  of  such  treaties,  they  have  made  all  the 
requisite  provisions  for  carrying  them  into  effect. 

"  There  is  also  reason  to  believe  that  this  construe 
tion  agrees  with  the  opinions  entertained  by  the  State 
Conventions,  when  they  were  deliberating  on  the  Con- 
stitution ;  especially  by  those  who  objected  to  it,  .be 
cause  there  was  not  required  in  commercial  treaties,  the 
consent  of  two  thirds  of  the  whole  number  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Senate,  instead  of  two  thirds  of  the  Senators 
present ;  and  because  in  treaties  respecting  territorial, 
and  certain  other  rights  and  claims,  the  concurrence 
of  three  fourths  of  the  whole  number  of  the  member* 
<>f  both  houses  respectively,  was  not  made  necessary. 

'•  It  is  a  fact  declared  by  the  General  Convention 
ana  universally  understood  that  the  Constitution  of 
14* 


162  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [17'J3-=v 

the  United  States  was  the  result  of  a  spirit  of  amity 
and  mutual  concession.  And  it  is  well  known,  that 
under  this  influence,  the  smaller  states  were  r  "'mitted 
to  an  equal  representation  in  the  Senate  with  the  larger 
states  ;  and  that  this  branch  of  the  government  was 
invosted  with  great  powers  ;  for  on  the  equal  partici- 
pation of  thosn  pmvers.  the  sovereignty  and  politica. 
safety  of  the  smaller  states  were  deemed  essentially  to 
depend. 

"  If  other  proofs  than  these  and  the  plain  letter  of 
the  Constitution  itself  be  necessary  to  ascertain  the 
point  under  consideration,  they  may  be  found  in  the 
journals  of  the  General  Convention  which  I  have  de- 
posited In  the  office  of  the  Department  of  State.  In 
these  journals  it  will  appear,  that  a  proposition  was 
made,  that  no  treaty- should  be  binding  on  the  United 
States,  which  was  not  ratified  by  a  law  ;  and  that  the 
proposition  was  explicitly  rejected. 

"  As  therefore  it  is  perfectly  clear  to  my  under- 
standing that  the  assent  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives is  no.'  necessary  to  the  validity  of  a  treaty  ;  ag 
the  treaty  with  Great  Britain  exhibits  in  itself  all  the 
objects  requiring  legislative  provision;  and  on  these 
the  papers  called  for  can  throw  no  light ;  and  as  it  is 
essential  to  the  due  administration  of  the  government, 
that  the  boundaries  fixed  by  the  Constitution  between 
the  different  departments  should  be  preserved  ;  a  just 
regard  to  the  Constitution,  and  to  the  duty  of  my 
office,  under  all  tho  circumstances  of  this  case,  forbid 
a  compliance  with  your  request." 

A  resolution  moved  in  the  House  to  make  the  ne- 
cessary appropriations  to  carry  the  Britisli  treaty  into 
effect  excited  among  the  members  the  strongest  emo- 
tions of  human  nature,  and  gave  rise  to  speeches  high- 
ly argumentative,  eloquent,  and  animated.  The  debaifl 
Was  protracted  until  the  people  assumed  the  subject 
Jn  their  respective  corporations,  meetings  were  holdcn. 
the  strength  of  parties  was  fully  tried,  and  it  clearlj 


1793  7.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  163 

appeared  that  the  great  majority  were  disposed  to  rally 
around  the  F.xecutive.  Innumerable  petitions  were 
presented  to  Congress  praying  them  to  make  the  re 
quisite  appropriations. 

Unwilling  to  take  upon  themselves  the  consequences 
of  resisting  t.ie  publick  will,  Congress  made  the  ap 
propriations. 

It  was  not  in  the  administration  of  the  government 
only,  that  General  WASHINGTON  found  it  necessary  to 
exercise  great  caution  and  prudence.  The  convulsions 
of  France  and  the  political  divisions  of  the  United 
States,  rendered  it  expedient  that  he  should  be  circum- 
spect in  his  personal  friondships,  and  in  the  exercise 
of  benevolent  offices  towards  individual  characters. 

A  sincere  friendship  had  been  formed  between  him 
and  the  Marquis  La  Fayette.  This  friendship  was 
not  disturbed  by  those  vicissitudes  in  France,  which 
occasioned  the  exile  and  foro'gn  imprisonment  of  that 
nobleman.  These  rather  increased  the  sensibility,  and 
strengthened  the  attachment  of  the  President  towards 
the  unfortunate  Marquis.  But  on  account  of  the  state 
of  parties  in  France  and  America,  interpositions  iu 
his  favour  were  privtitely  made.  The  American 
Ministers  at  Foreign  Courts  were  directed  in  an  un- 
official manner  to  exert  themselves  to  obtain  his  libe- 
ration, or  to  render  his  confinement  less  oppressive. 
A  confidential  agent  was  sent  to  Berlin  to  solicit  L'.s 
liberty  ;  but  before  he  reached  his  place  of  destination, 
the  King  of  Prussia  had  surrendered  the  Marquis  t~< 
the  Emperor  of  Germany.  Mr.  Pinckney,  then  at 
the  Court  of  London,  was  directed  to  intimate  lie 
wishes  of  the  President  to  the  Austrian  Minister  at 
that  Court,  and  to  solicit  the  influence  of  the  Brit'.sh 
Cabinet  in  favour  of  the  illustrious  prisoner.  Disap 
pointed  in  the  expected  mediation  of  Great  Britain, 
the  President  addressed  the  following  letter  imrrrr 
diately  to  the  Emperor  of  Germany. 


164  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1793-7 

"  It  will  readily  occur  to  your  Majesty  that  occa- 
sions may  sometimes  exist,  on  which  official  considera 
lions  would  constrain  the  Gnief  of  a  nation  .j  be  si- 
loit  and  passive  in  relation  even  ta  objects  which  affect 
his  sensibility,  arid  claim  his  interposition  as  a  "man. 
Finding  myself  precisely  in  this  situation  at  present, 
I  take  the  'iberty  of  writing  this  private  letter  to  your 
Majesty,  being  persuaded  that  my  motives  will  also  be 
my  apology  for  it. 

"  In  common  with  the  people  of  this  country,  I  re- 
tain a  strong  and  cordial  sense  of  the  services  render- 
ed to  them  by  the  Marquis  La  Fayette  ;  and  my  friend- 
ship for  him  lias  been  constant  and  sincere.  It  is  na- 
tural, therefore,  that  1  should  sympathize  with  him  and 
his  family  in  their  misfortunes,  and  endeavour  to  miti- 
gate the  calamities  they  experience,  among  which  his 
present  confinement  is  not  the  least  distressing. 

"  I  forbear  to  enlarge  on  this  delicate  subject.  Per 
mil  me  only  to  submit  to  your  Majesty's  consideration, 
whether  his  long  imprisonment,  and  the  confiscation 
of  his  estal<5,  and  the  indigence  and  dispersion  of  his 
family,  and  the  painful  anxieties  incident  to  all  those 
circu.nstances,do  not  form  an  assemblage  of  sufferngs, 
which  recommend  him  to  the  mediation  of  humanity  ? 
Allow  me,  sir,  on  this  occasion,  to  be  its  organ  ;  arid  to 
entreat  that  he  may  be  permitted  to  come  to  this  coun- 
try on  such  conditions,  and  under  such  restrictions  as 
your  Majesty  may  think  it  expedient  to  prescribe. 

"  As  it  is  a  maxim  with  me  not  to  ask,  what  under 
ei  .nilar  circumstances,  I  would  net  grant,  your  Majes- 
ty will  do  me  the  justice  to  believe,  that  this  request 
appears  to  me  to  correspond  with  those  great  princi 
pies  of  magnanimity  and  wisdom,  which  form  the  ba 
sis  of  sound  policy  and  durable  glory." 

This  letter  was  sent  to  Mr.  I'inckney.  and  was  by 
him  transmitted  tiirough  the  Austrian  Minister  to  the 
Emperor.  From  this  period  the  Marquis  «r as  treateo 


1793-7.]       LIFE  O"F  WASHINGTON.   '  165 

with  more  mildness,  and   was  soon   after   discharged 
from  his   confinement ;  but  what   influence  the  Presi- 
i  dent's  letter  had  on  these  measures  is  not  known. 

In  17'.»5,  George  Washington  Motier  La  Fayette 
the  son  of  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  made  his  escape 
from  France,  and  arrived  with  his  tutor  at  Boston, 
kie  immediately  by  letter  communicated  his  situation 
to  General  WASHINGTON,  and  solicited  his  advice  and 
patronage.  The  mother  ,£  young  Fayette  was  then 
in  France,  and  the  President  was  surrounded  by 
Frenchmen,  the  agents  or  friends  of  the  administra- 
tion, which  had  denounced  the  Marquis.  These  men 
were  ready  to  denounce  every  act  of  favdur  done  to  a 
man  who  was  proscribed  by  the  French  Government. 
From  regard  to  the  safety  of  that  lady,  and  from  pru- 
dential con:  idcrations  in  respect  to  his  ov~n  official 
character,  he  thought  it  unadviseahle  to  invite  him  im- 
mediately to  the  seat  of  government,  and  publickly  to 
espouse  hir  interest.  But  he  wrote  confidentially  to  a 
friend  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Boston,  requesting  hirr 
to  visit  tho  young  prentleman,  to  acquaint  him  with 
the  reason  which  rendered  it  inexpedient  that  he 
should  be  invited  into  the  President's  family,  and,  to 
adopt  the  language  of  the  letter,  to  "  administer  ab 
the  consolation  that  he  can  derive  from  the  most  une 
quivocal  assurances  of  my  standing  in  the  place,  and  be 
coming  to  him  a  father,  fri.e.nd,  protestor,  imd-supportcr 

"  Considering  how  important  it  is  to  avoid  idleness 
and  dissipation — to  improve  his  mind — and  to  give 
him  all  the  advantages  which  education  can  bestow, 
my  opinion  and  my  advice  to  him  is,  (if  he  is  qualified 
for  admission)  that  he  should  enter  as  a  student  at  the 
University  in  Cambridge  ;  although  it  should  be  for  a 
ehort  time  only.  The  expense  of  which,  as  also  for 
every  other  menns  fi>r  his  support,  I  will  pay  ;  and 
now  do  authorize  you,  my  dear  sir,  to  draw  upon  me 
accordingly.  Arid  if  it  be  desired  that  his  tutor  should 
Accompany  him  to  the  University,  any  expense  that 


1G6  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1796--9 

he  shall  incur  foi  the  purpose,  shall  be  borne  by  me  in 
like  manner." 

The  tutor  of  young  Fayette  thought  he  77iight  with 
more  advantage  pnrsue  his  studies  ir.  private,  and 
therefore  he  did  not  enteV  the  University. 

The  members  of  Congress,  in  opposition  to  the 
measures  of  the  Administration,  obtained  the  j:n'">wl- 
edge  of  tLa  arrival  of  a  son  of  the  Marquis  j_ia  Fay- 
ette in  some  part  of  America.  Expecting  perhaps 
that  the  President  had  maintained  a  cold  and  unfeel- 
ing reserve  towards  him,  they  instituted  an  inquiry 
into  his  situation  ;  and  when  they  discovered  that  the 
President  had  extended  towards  young  Fayette  the 
assistance  and  t'ne  protection  of  a  friend  and  a  father, 
they  dropped  the  subject. 

This  young  gentleman  remained  for  a  short  time  in 
the  United  States;  returning  to  France,  he  distin- 
guished himself  ;n  the  army  of  Buonaparte;  but  the 
usual  promotions  have  been  denied  him. 


CHAPTER  Xlil. 

Tho  PresHent  cahimniaterl  —  His   Letter   to  Mr.  Jefferson  —  St,iu/ 


mem  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Tr.-Ksury—  The  F 

enrh   Directory's 

attempt    to   com  ml    Ihn    American    (lovcrninei! 

—  Ki'view  of  the 

Transactions  with    France  —  The  Presuli  ill  ilucl 

res  his  resolution 

to  retire  from    I'nhlirk   Life—  Mart*  Congrem  to 

the  liisl   Timo— 

Dcscr  |M;S  the  letters  that  had   been   forced  —  At 

nml*  the  lnaii«n- 

ration  of  Mr.    Adams—  Retires  10   Mount  Ver 

on  —  Threatening 

Altitude  of  France  —  (lenaral  Washington  ap|x 

'i-eil  Comnminler 

in  i  'hief  of  the    American  Forces  —  His  opinion  of  Pubtick  Moa- 

snres  —  His  liHlisiiosilion  an  1  Death  —  Conclusion. 

17!)G.  THE  friends  of  General  WASHINGTON  k;;ew 
that  it  \vis  his  intention  to  decline  being  a  candidate 
at  the  third  election  of  President,  and  this  was  expect 
ed  by  the  publick.  Warm  solicitations  were  used  to 
dissuade  him  fror.i  the  intention,  but  his  determination 
Was  fixed ;  and  nothing  could  change  it  excepting  a 


1796-9.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  10? 

rrisis  in  tin  affairs  of  his  country,  which  would  rendei 
retirement  inconsistent  with  his  duty,  and  derogatory 
to  his  character. 

In  the  possibility  of  such  an  event,  his  friends  pro 
vailed  with  him  to  withhold  the  publick  expression  of 
his  design  until  it  should  becv  me  necessary  to  direct 
the  attention  of  the  community  to  a  successor  Thii 
silence  alarmed  the  party  opposed  to  his  adm  nistra- 
tion.  His  personal  influence  at  the  head  of  govern- 
ment, they  conceived,  could  alone  defeat  their  plans, 
and  prevent  a  revolution  in  the  National  Council. 
Since  the  ratification  of  the  British  treaty,  they  had 
laid  aside  the  decorous  language  and  exteriour  respect, 
which  they  had,  until  that  period,  observed  towards 
the  President,  and  on  this  occasion  they  with  the  ut- 
most virulence  assailed  his  character.  His  merit  as  a 
soldier,  and  his  wisdom  and  patriotism  as  a  statesman, 
were  denied  ;  and  even  his  honour  and  honesty  as  a 
man  were  brought  into  question.  Letters,  forged  and 
published  in  177(5,  to  injure  his  reputation  as  the  Ge- 
neral in  the  revolutionary  war,  were  at  this  time  re- 
published  as  genuine,  to  excite  prejudice  against  him. 
The  queries,  which  he  had  confidentially  proposed  to 
the  deliberation  of  his  Cabinet,  were  laid  before  the 
publicK,  with  comments  designed  to  show,  that  they 
indicated  a  deadly  hostility  to  France.  The  queries 
could  have  come  before  the  pubiick  only  b"  a  breech 
of  confidence  in  some  one  of  the  Cabinet.  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son was  disposed  to  prevent  any  susj  icion  from  rest- 
ing on  the  mind  of  General  WASHING',  ov,  that  he  wns 
the  dishonourable  individual,  and  for  this  purpose  ha 
addressed  a  letter  to  him,  to  which  the  President  gave 
the  following  reply. 

"  If  I  had  entertained  any  suspicion  before,  that  the 
queries  which  have  been  published  in  Bache's  paper, 
proceeded  from  you,  the  assurances  you  have  given  of 
the  contrary  would  have  re-novcd  them  ;  but  the  truth 
'•«,  1  harboured  none.  I  am  at  no  loss  to  conjecture 


163  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [170G-9. 

from  \vhat  source  they  flowed,  through  what  channe. 
they  were  conveyed,  nor  for  what  purpose  they  and 
shnilar  publications  appear. 

"  As  you  have  mentioned  the  subject  yourself,  it 
would  not  be  frank,  candid,  or  friendly,  to  conceal  that 
your  conduct  has  been  represented  as  derogating  from 
that  opinion  I  conceived  you  entertained  of  me  ;  that 
to  your  particular  friends  and  connexions  you  have  de- 
Kcribed,  and  they  have  denounced  me,  as  a  person 
under  dangerous  influence,  and  that  if  I  would  listen 
more  to  some  other  opinions,  all  would  be  well.  My 
answer  has  invariably  been,  that  I  had  never  d's- 
eovered  any  thing  in  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Jefferson, 
to  raise  suspicions  in  my  mind  of  his  sincei.ty; 
lhat  if  h«  wo'.-il  \etrace  my  publick  conduct  while 
he  was  in  tiie  administration,  abundant  proofs  would 
occur  to  him,  that  truth  and  right  decisions  were  the 
sole  objects  of  my  pursuit  ;  that  there  were  as  many 
instances  wi'.hin  his  own  knowledge,  of  my  having 
decided  against  as  in  favour  of  the  person  evidently 
alluded  to  ;  and  moreover,  that  I  was  no  believer  in 
the  infallibility  of  the  politicks  or  measures  of  any 
man  living.  In  short,  that  I  was  no  party  man  myself, 
and  that  the  first  wish  of  my  heart  was,  if  parties  did 
exist,  to  reconcile  them. 

"  To  this  I  may  add,  and  very  truly,  that  until  the 
last  year  or  two,  1  had  no  conception  that  parties 
would,  or  even  could  go  the  lengths  I  have  been  wit- 
ness to  ;  nor  did  I  believe  until  lately,  that  it  waa 
within  the  bounds  of  probability,  hardly  within  those 
of  possibility,  that  while  I  was  using  my  utmost  exer- 
tions to  establish  a  national  character  of  our  own,  in- 
dependent, as  far  as  our  obligations  and  justice  would 
permit,  of  every  nation  of  the  earth  ;  and  wished  by 
steering  a  steady  course  to  preserve  t.liia  country  from 
the  horrours  of  a  desolating  war,  I  ihould  be  accused 
of  being  the  enemy  of  one  nation,  and  subject  to  the 
influence  of  another  ;  and  to  prove  it,  that  every  aoj 


1796-9.]        LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  169 

of  my  administration  would  be  tortured,  and  the 
grossest  and  most  insidious  misrepresentations  of  them 
be  made,  by  giving  one  side  only  of  a  subject,  and  that 
too  in  such  exaggerated  und  indecent  terms  as  could 
scarcely  be  applied  to  a  Nero — to  a  notorious  defaulter 
—or  even  to  a  common  pickpocket. 

"  But  enough  of  this.  I  have  already  gone  further 
in  the  expression  of  my  feelings  than  I  intended." 

General  WASHINGTON  was  also  atrociously  cha;  sred 
with  having  unlawfully  drawn  money  from  the  publi.k 
treasury  for  his  private  use.  This  charge  was  sup- 
ported by  extracts  from  the  books  of  the  national  trea- 
sury, and  his  enemies  boasted  that  they  had  discover- 
ed an  indelible  blemish  in  his  character  ;  but  their 
triumph  was  only  for  a  moment.  The  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  published  a  statement  of  facts,  by  which 
it  clearly  appeared  that  the  money  drawn  by  the  or- 
ders of  the  President  had  in  no  year  exceeded  the  ap- 
propriations for  his  salary.  He  received  no  publick 
motiey  but  for  the  support  of  his  family,  in  some  quar- 
ters of  the  year  the  receipts  had  overrun  the  amount 
due,  and  in  others  fallen  short ;  arid  that  the  President 
himself  had  no  concern  in  the  transaction,  the  busi 
ncrfs  having  been  conducted  by  a  gentleman  who  sa 
perintended  his  household.  The  publick  frowned  his 
accusers  into  silence,  and  the  weapon  levelled  against 
his  refutation  fell  innoxious  to  the  ground. 

The  Government  of  France  was  too  well  acquaint- 
ed with  the  number  and  the  temper  of  their  friends  in 
'he  United  States,  to  relinquish  the  plan  formed  to  ob- 
tain a  controlling  influence  in  the  administration  of 
American  affairs.  Mr.  Fauchet  had  made  formal  com- 
plaints against  the  measures  of  President  WASIIINOTC  H. 
For  a  time  his  remonstrances  were  made  in  the  Ian 
guage  of  decency  and  respect :  but  at  the  close  of  nil 
ministry,  he  descended  to  the  reproachful  manner  of 
his  predecessor.  Mr.  Adet  arrived  at  Philadelphia, 
while  the  Senate  were  deliberating  on  the  Bntisfl 

VOL.  TI.  15 


V70  J.ll-E  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1796-9 

treaty,  and  full  comirrunications  were  made  to  him  on 
the  subject.  Colonel  Monroe  was  also  furnished  with 
documents,  calculated  to  remove  uneasiness  from  the 
minds  of  the  French  Directory  respecting  this  transac- 
tion. But  instead  of  communicating  to  the  Dinctory 
the  documents  and  reasonings  of  his  government,  while 
they  were  deliberating  ow  this  subject,  and  before  they 
had  committed  themselves  by  any  publick  act.  he  re- 
served them  is  answers  to  complaints,  that  the  go- 
vermnunt  of  France  might  make  against  the  treaty  with 
Great  Britain. 

The  President  well  knew  that  France  had  no  just 
ground  of  complaint  against  the  United  States  ;  but 
he  was  apprehensive  that  her  disappointment  at  the 
adjustment  of  a  controversy  which  had  long  menaced 
war  between  Great  Britain  and  America,  would  induce 
her  to  some  act  of  violence.  He  therefore  deemed  it 
highly  important,  that  there  should  h«  a  Minister  at 
1'ans,  who  fully  entered  into  the  views  of  the  Ad- 
ministration. Not  being  perfectly  satisfied  with  Mr. 
Monroe,  he  recalled  him,  and  appointed  as  his  successor, 
General  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney.  The  French- 
having  complained  of  most  of  the  acts  of  the  American 
Government,  iu  relation  to  the  powers  at  war,  by  order 
of  the  President  these  acts  were  carefully  reviewed,  a 
fair  and  minute  detail  of  all  points  of  difference  be- 
tween the  two  nations  given,  and  the  measures  i.f  the 
Administration  defended  by  unanswerable  argurrents. 
Upon  this  lucid  and  conclusive  vindication  of  the 
measures  of  the  Administration,  the  President  relied  to 
remove  jealousy  from  the  minds  of  the  Directory,  and 
restore  the  harmony  of  the  two  nations;  but  unhappily 
the  party  at  home  had  taken  their  ground,  and  were 
not  by  any  considerations  to  be  moved  from  it,  and 
supported'  by  these,  the  French  Directory  were  not 
disposed  to  recede. 

At  the  near  approach  of  the  period  for  the  election 
of  a  President,  it  fully  appeared,  that  General  WASH 


i7pfi-9]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  17i 

INGTON  had  not  lost  his  hold  on  the  affections  and 
confidence  of  his  countrymen.  The  pubhck  sentiment 
every  where  indi.  ated  a  determination  to  choose  no 
man  an  elector,  on  whom  implicit  confidence  could  not 
be  placed,  to  give  his  suffrage  for  General  WASH- 
INGTON ;  and  it  was  satisfactorily  ascertained,  that 
should  the  General  consent  to  be  a  candidate,  he 
would  for  the  third  time  be  unanimously  chosen  1'ro- 
sidenl  of  the  United  S'ates. 

in  this  state  of  the  publick  mind,  in  the  month  c-C 
September  he  published  the  following  address. 
"  FRIENDS  AND  FELLOW  CITIZENS, 

"  The  period  for  a  new  election  of  a  citizen,  to  ad 
minister  the  Executive  Government  of  the  United 
States  being  not  far  distant,  and  the  time  actually 
arrived,  when  your  thoughts  must  be  employed  in 
designating  the  person,  who  is  to  be  clothed  with  that 
important  trust,  it  appears  to  me  proper,  especially  as 
it  may  conduce  to  *  more  distinct  expression  of  tho 
publick  voice,  that  I  should  now  apprize  you  of  the 
resolution  I  have  formed,  to  decline  being  considered 
among  the  number  of  those,  out  of  whom  a  choice  is 
to  be  made. 

"  I  bog  yoa,  at  tho  same  time,  to  do  me  the  justice 
to  be  assured,  that  this  resolution  has  not  been  taken, 
without  a  strict  regard  to  all  the  considerations  ap 
pertaining  to  the  relation  which  bir.ds  a  dutiful  citizen 
to  his  country  ;  and  that,  in  withdrawing  the  tender 
of  service,  which  silence  in  my  situation  might  imply, 
1  am  influenced  by  no  diminution  uf  zeal  for  your 
future  interest ;  no  deficiency  of  grateful  respect  for 
your  past  kindness  ;  b-it  am  supported  by  a  full  con- 
viction that  the  step  is  compatible  with  both. 

"  The  acceptance  of,  and  continuance  hitherto  in  the 
office  to  which  your  suffrages  have  twice  called  me, 
have  been  a  uniform  sacrifice  of  inclination  to  the 
opinion  of  duty,  and  to  a  deference  for  what  appeared 
to  be  your  desire.  I  constantly  hoped  that  it  would 


172  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [17%  <> 

have  been  much  earlier  in  my  power,  consistently  with 
motives  which  I  was  not  at  liberty  to  disregard,  to  re- 
turn to  that  retirement,  from  which  I  had  been  reluc- 
tantly drawn.  The  strength  of  my  inclination  to  do 
this,  previous  to  the  last  election,  had  even  led  to  the 
preparation  of  an  address  to  declare  it  to  you  ;  but  ma- 
ture reflection  on  the  then  perplexed  and  critical  pos. 
lure  of  our  affairs  with  foreign  nations,  and  the  unani 
mous  advice  of  persons  entitled  to  my  confidence,  im 
polled  me  to  abandon  the  idea. 

"  I  rejoice  that  the  state  of  your  concerns,  external 
as  well  as  internal,  no  longer  renders  the  pursuit  of 
inclination  incompatible  with  the  sentiment  of  duty, 
or  propriety  ;  and  am  persuaded  whatever  partiality 
may  be  retained  for  my  services,  that  in  the  present 
circumstances  of  our  country,  yon  will  not  disapprove 
my  determination  to  retire. 

"  The  impressions  with  which  I  first  undertook  tha 
arduous  trust,  were  explained  on  the  proper  occasion. 
In  the  discharge  of  this  trust,  I  will  only  say,  that  1 
aave,  with  good  intentions,  contributed  towards  the 
organization  and  administration  of  the  government, 
the  best  exertions  of  which  a  very  fallible  judgment 
was  capable.  Not  unconscious,  in  the  outset,  of  the 
inferiority  of  my  qualifications,  experience  in  n:y  own 
eyes,  perhaps  still  more  in  the  eyes  of  others,  has 
strengthened  the  motives  to  diffidence  of  myself;  and 
every  day  the  increasing  weight  of  years  admonishes 
me  more  and  more,  that  the  shade  of  retirement  is  as 
necessary  to  me  as  it  will  be  welcome.  Satisfied,  that 
if  any  circumstances  have  given  peculiar  value  to  my 
•erv'ces,  they  were  temporary,  I  have  tho  consolation 
to  believe,  that  while  choice  and  prudence  invite  me 
to  quit  tho  political  scene,  patriotism  docs  not  forbid  it. 

"  In  looking  forward  to  the  moment,  which  is  to 
terminate  the  career  of  my  publick  life,  my  feelings 
do  not  permit  me  to  suspend  the  deep  acknowledg- 
ment of  that  debt  of  gratitude  which  I  owe  to  my  be 


J70b-9.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  17n 

loved  country,  for  the  mary  honours  it  has  conferred 
Q]>i>n  mo  still  more  for  tlie  steadfast  confidence  with 
which  it  has  supported  me,  and  for  the  opportunities 
I  have  thence  enjoyed  of  manifesting  my  inviolable 
attachment,  by  services  faithful'  and  persevering, 
though  in  usefulness  unequal  to  my  zeal.  If  benefits 
have  resulted  to  our  country  from  these  services,  let 
it  always  be  remembered  to  your  praise,  and  as  an  in- 
structive example  in  our  annals,  that  under  circum- 
stances in  which  the  passions,  agitated  in  every  direc- 
tion, were  liable  to  mislead,  amidst  appearances  some- 
times dubious — vicissitudes  of  fortune,  often  discou- 
raging—in situations,  in  which,  not  unfrequeritly,  want 
of  success  has  countenanced  the  spirit  of  criticism  — 
the  constancy  of  your  support  was  the  essential  prop 
of  the  efforts,  and  a  guarantee  of  the  plans  by  which 
they  were  effected.  Profoundly  penetrated  with  this 
idea,  I  shall  carry  it  with  me  to  my  grave,  as  a  strong 
incitement  to  unceasing  vows,  that  Heaven  may  con- 
tinue to  you  the  choicest  tokens  of  its  beneficence — 
that  your  union  and  brotherly  affection  may  be  per- 
petual— that  the  free  constitution,  which  is  the  work 
of  yoar  hands,  may  be  sacredly  maintained  —that  ita 
administration,  in  every  department,  may  be  stamped 
with  wisdom  and  virtue — that,  in  fine,  the  happiness 
of  the  people  of  these  states,  under  the  auspices  of 
liberty,  may  be  made  complete,  by  so  careful  a  pre- 
servation, and  so  prudent  a  use,  of  this  blessing,  as 
will  acquire  to  them  the  glory  of  recommending  it  to 
the  applause,  the  affection,  and  the  adoption,  of  every 
nation  which  is  yet  a  stranger  to  it. 

"  Here,  perhaps,  I  ought  to  stop.  But  a  solicitude 
for  your  welfare,  which  cannot  end  but  with  my  life, 
and  the  apprehension  of  danger,  natural  to  that  solici- 
tude, urge  me,  on  an  occasion  like  the  present,  to  offer 
to  your  solemn  contemplation,  and  to  recommend  ta 
your  frequent  review,  some  sentiments  which  arc  th< 
result  of  much  reflection,  of  nc  inconsiderable  observa 
15  » 


174  LIFE  OF  WASHJNGTOiN          [179G-3 

lion,  arid  which  appear  to  me  all  important  to  the  per 
manency  of  your  felicity  as  a  people.  These  will  b« 
offered  to  you  with  the  more  freedom,  as  yoa  can  only 
see  in  them,  the  disinterested  warnings  of  a  parting 
friend,  who  can  possibly  have  no  personal  motive  to 
bias  his  counsels.  Nor  can  1  forget,  as  an  encourage- 
ment to  it,  your  indulgent  reception  of  my  sentiments 
on  a  former  and  not  dissimilar  occasion. 

"  Interwoven  as  is  the  love  of  liberty  with  ev«ry 
ligament  of  your  hearts,  no  recommendation  of  mine 
is  necessary  to  fortify  or  confirm  the  attachment. 

"  The  unity  of  government  which  constitutes  you 
one  people,  is  also  dear  to  you.  It  is  justly  so,  for  it 
is  a  main  pillar  in  the  edifice  of  your  real  independ- 
ence ;  the  support  of  your  tranquillity  at  home  ;  your 
peace  abroad  ;  of  your  safety  ;  of  your  prosperity  ; 
of  that  very  liberty  which  you  so  highly  pri/e.  But, 
as  it  is  easy  to  foresee,  that  from  different  causes  and 
from  different  quarters,  much  pains  will  be  taken, 
many  artifices  employed,  to  weaken  in  your  rninds  the 
conviction  of  this  truth  ;  as  this  is  the  point  in  your 
political  fortress,  against  which  the  batteries  of  inter- 
nal and  external  enemies  will  be  most  constantly  and 
actively  (though  often  covertly  and  insidiously)  direct- 
ed ;  it  is  of  infinite  moment  that  you  should  properly 
estimate  the  immense  value  of  your  national  union,  to 
your  collective  and  individual  happiness  .;  that  you 
should  cherish  a  cordial,  habitual,  and  immoveable  at- 
tnrhrnent  to  it ;  accustoming  yourselves  to  think  and 
speak  of  k.  as  of  the  palladium  of  your  political  safety 
and  prosperity  ;  watching  for  its  preservation  with 
jetlous  anxiety  ;  discountenancing  whatever  may  sug- 
gest even  a  stisjvcion  that  it  can,  in  any  event,  be 
abandoned  ;  and  indignantly  frowning  upon  the  first 
da'vning  of  every  attempt  to  alienate  anv  portion  of 
9111  c.Miulry  from  tlit-  res'.,  or  to  enfeeble  the  sacred 
tics  \v!i!ch  ivnv  link  tf>jr<>lher  the  various  parts. 

••  tor  ihis  yo-  ^avc  every  ind'Jtement  of  sympathy 


179T>-9.1      LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  J75 

and  interejt.  Citizens  by  birth  or  choice,  of  a  com 
mon  country,  that  country  has  a  right  to  concentrate 
your  affections.  The  name  of  American,  which  be- 
longs to  you,  in  your  national  capacity,  must  alwava 
exalt  the  just  pride  of  patriotism,  more  than  any  ap- 
pellation derived  from  local  discriminations.  With 
slight  shades  of  difference,  you  have  the  same  reli- 
gion, manners,  habits,  and  political  principles.  You 
have.,  in  a  common  cause,  fought  and  triumphed  to- 
gether ;  the  independence  and  liberty  you  possess  are 
the  work  of  joint  counsels,  and  joint  efforts,  of  zoia- 
mon  dangers,  sufferings,  and  successes. 

"  But  these  considerations,  however  powerfully  they 
address  themselves  to  jjur  sensibility,  are  greatly 
outweighed  by  those  which  apply  more  immediately 
to  your  interest.  Here  every  portion  of  our  country 
finds  the  most  commanding  motives  for  carefully 
guarding  and  preserving  the  union  of  the  whole. 

"  The  North,  in  an  unrestrained  intercourse  with  the 
South,  protected  by  the  equal  la-.vs  of  a  common  go 
vernment,  finds  in  the  productions  of  the  latter,  great 
additional  resources  of  maritime  and  commercial  en- 
terprise, and  precious  materials  of  manufacturing  in- 
dustry. The  South,  in  the  same  intercourse,  bene- 
fiting by  the  agency  of  the  North,  sees  its  agriculture 
grow,  and  its  commerce  expand.  Turning  partly  into 
its  own  channels  the  seamen  of  the  North,  it  finds  its 
particular  navigation  invigorated — and  while  it  con- 
tributes, ia  different  ways,  to  nourish  and  increase  th« 
general  mass  of  the  national  navigation,  it  looks  fot- 
ward  4o  the  protection  of  a  maritime  strength,  to  which 
itself  is  unequally  adapted.  . 

"The  East,  in  like  intercourse  with  the  West,  already 
finds,  and  in  the  progressive  improvement  of  interiour 
communications,  by  land  and  wa'.er,  will  more  and 
more  find  a  valuable  vent  for  the  commodities  which 
it  brings  from  abroad,  or  manufactures  at  home.  The 
Vest  derives  from  the  East  supplies  requisite  to  its 


176  UFE  OF  WASHINGTON       [1796-.* 

growth  and  comfort — and  what  is,  perhaps,  of  still 
greater  consequence,  it.  must  of  necessity  owe  the  secure 
enjoyment  of  indispensable  outlets,  for  its  own  produc- 
tions, to  the  weight,  influence,  and  the  future  maritime 
strength  of  the  Atlantick  side  of  the  Union,  directed 
by  an  indissoluble  community  of  interest  as  one  nation. 
Any  other  tenure  by  which  the  West  can  hold  this  es- 
jenlial  advantage,  whether  derived  from  its  own  sepa- 
iate  strength,  or  from  an  apostate  and  unnatural  cm- 
nexion  with  any  foreign  power,  must  be  intrinsically 
precarious. 

"  While  then  every  part  of  our  country  thus  feels  an 
immediate  and  particular  interest  in  union,  all  the 
parts  combined  cannot  fail  10  find  in  tlie  united  mass 
of  means  and  efforts,  greater  strength,  greater  re- 
source, pro]>ortionably  greater  security  from  external 
danger — a  less  frequent  interruption  of  their  peace  by 
foreign  nations,  and  what  is  of  inestimable  value,  they 
must  derive  from  union  an  exemption  from  those  broils 
and  wars  between  themselves,  which  so  frequently 
afflict  neighbouring  countries  not  tied  together  by  the 
same  government  ;  which  their  own  rivaltmips  alone 
would  be  sufficient  to  produce,  but  which  opposite  fo- 
reign alliances, attachments, and  intrigues  would  stimu- 
late and  embitter.  Hence,  likewise,  they  will  avoid 
the  necessity  of  those  overgrown  military  establish- 
ments, which,  under  any  form  of  government,  are 
inauspicious  to  liberty,  and  which  are  to  be  regarded 
as  particularly  hostile  to  republican  liberty.  In  this 
sense  it  is,  that  your  Union  ought  to  be  considered  as 
the  main  prop  of  your  liberty,  and  that  the  love  of  the 
one  ought  to  endear  to  you  the  preservation  of  th« 
other. 

"  These  considerations  speak  a  persuasive  langnagu 
to  every  reflecting  and  virtuous  mind,  and  exhibit  the 
continuance  of  the  Union  as  a  primary  object  of  path- 
oti^k  desire.  Is  there  a  doubt  whether  a  common  go- 
vernment can  embrace  so  large  a  sphere  ?  Let  expeii- 


t7!X>-9.]     LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  177 

enco  solve  it.  To  listen  to  mere  speculation  in  such 
B.  case  were  criminal.  We  are  authorized  to  hope  that 
a  proper  organization  of  the  whole,  with  the  auxiliary 
agency  of  governments  for  the  respective  subdivisions, 
will  afford  a  happy  issue  to  the  experiment.  It  is  well 
worth  a  fair  and  full  experiment.  With  such  power- 
ful and  obvious  motives  to  Union,  affecting  all  pa.rU 
of  our  country,  while  experience  shall  not  have  dfl-' 
mcmtrated  its  impracticability,  there  will  alwaya  be 
reason  to  distrust  the  patriotism  of  those,  who,  in  any 
quarter,  may  endeavour  to  weaken  its  bands. 

"  In  contemplating  the  causes  which  may  disturb  our 
Union,  it  occurs  as  a  matter  of  serious  concern,  that 
any  ground  should  have  been  furnished  for  character- 
izing parties,  by  geographical  discriminations.  J\"ortli- 
ern  and  Southern,  jltlantic.k  and  Western;  whence  de- 
signing men  may  endeavour  to  excite  a  belief,  that 
there  is  a  real  difference  of  local  interests  and  views 
One  of  the  expedients  of  party  to  acquire  influence, 
within  particular  districts,  is  to  misrepresent  the  opi- 
nions and  aims  of  other  districts.  You  cannot  shield 
yourselves  too  much  against  the  jealousies  and  heart 
burnings  which  spring  from  these  misrepresentations  ; 
they  tend  to  render  alien  to  each  other  those  who 
ought  to  be  bound  together  by  fraternal  affection. 
Tlw  inhabitants  of  our  western  country  have  lately 
had  a  useful  lesson  on  this  head  :  they  have  seen  in  the 
negotiation  by  the  Executive,  and  in  the  unanimous 
satisfaction  by  the  Senate,  of  the  treaty  with  Spain 
and  in  the  universal  satisfaction  at  that  event  through 
out  the  United  States,  a  decisive  proof  how  unfounded 
were  the  suspicions  propagated  among  them,  of  a  po- 
licy in  th*  <reneral  government  and  in  the  Atiantick 
states,  unfriendly  to  their  interests  in  regard  to  the 
Mississippi :  they  have  been  witnesses  to  the  t'orma- 
\ion  of  two  treaties,  that  with  Great  Britain  and  that 
with  Spain,  which  socure  to  them  every  tiling  thov 
could  desire.  is  respect  to  owr  foreign  relations,  to- 


178  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [1790-9 

wards  confirming  their  prosperity.  Will  it  not  b« 
their  wisdom  to  rely  for  the  preservation  of  these  ad- 
vantages on  the  Union,  by  which  tliey  were  procured? 
Will  they  not  henceforth  be  deaf  to  those  advisers,  If* 
eucJi  tweie  are,  who  would  sever  them  from  their 
brethren,  and  connect  them  with  aliens? 

"  To  the  efficacy  and  permanency  of  your  Union,  • 
government  for  the  whole  is  indispensable.  No  al- 
liances, however  strict,  between  the  parts,  can  be  an 
adequate  substitute.  They  must  inevitably  experi- 
ence the  infractions  and  interruptions  which  all  al- 
liances, in  all  times,  have  experienced.  Sensible  of 
this  momentous  truth,  you.  have  improved  upon  your 
first  essay,  by  the  adoption  of  a  Constitution  of  Govern- 
ment, better  calculated  than  your  foruver  for  an  inti- 
mate Union,  and  for  the  efficacious  management  of 
yow  common  concerns.  This  government,  the  off- 
spring of  our  own  choice,  uninfluenced  and  unavved, 
adopted  upon  full  investigation  and  mature  delibera- 
tion, completely  free  in  its  principles,  in  the  distribu- 
tion of  its  powers,  uniting  security  with  energy,  and 
containing  within  itself  a  provision  for  its  own  amend- 
ment, has  a  just  claim  to  your  confidence  and  your 
support.  Respect  for  its  authority,  compliance  with 
its  laws,  acquiescence  in  its  measures,  are  duties  en- 
joined by  the  fundamental  maxims  of  true  liberty. 
The  basis  of  our  political  systems  is,  the  right  cf  tlie 
paople  to  make  and  to  alter  their  constitution  of  govern 
inent.  But  the  constitution  which  at  any  time  exists, 
iinlil  changed  by  an  explicit  and  authentick  act  of  the 
whole  people,  is  sacredly  obligatory  upon  all.  The 
very  idea  of  the  pftwer  and  the  right  of  the  people  to 
establish  government,  presupposes  the  duty  of  every 
individual  to  obey  the  established  government. 

"  All  obstructions  to  the  execution  of  the  laws,  all 
combinations  and  associations,  under  whatever  plausi- 
ble character,  with  the  real  design  to  direct,  control, 
counteract,  or  awe  the  regular  deliberation  and  action 


J796-9.J        L!FK  OF  WASHINGTON.  175) 

of  the  constituted  authorities,  are  destructive  of  this 
fundamental  principle,  and  of  fatal  tendency.  They 
serve  to  organize  faction,  to  give  it  an  artificial  and 
extraordinary  force,  to  put  in  the  place  of  the  dele- 
gated will  of  the  nation,  the  will  of  a  party,  often  a 
small,  but  artful  and  enterprising  minority  of  the  com 
munity  ;  ami,  according  to  the  alternate  triumphs  of 
different  parties,  to  make  the  publick  administration 
the  mirror  of  the  ill-concerted  ami  incongruous  pro- 
jects of  faction,  rather  than  the  organ  of  consistent 
and  wholesome  plans,  digested  by  common  council", 
and  modified  by  mutual  interests. 

"  However  combinations  or  associations  of  the  above 
description,  may  now  and  then  answer  popular  ends, 
they  are  likely,  in  the  course  of  time  and  things,  to 
become  potent  engines,  by  which  cunning,  ambiti  >us, 
and  unprincipled  men,  will  be  enabled  to  subvert  the 
power  of  the  people,  and  to  usuip  for  themselves  th<j 
reins  of  <rovernment  ;  destroying,  afterwards,  the  very 
engines  which  had  lifted  them  to  unjust  dominion. 

"  Towards  the  preservation  of  your  government,  and 
the  permanency  of  your  present  happy  state,  it  is  re- 
quisite, not  only  that  you  steadily  discountenance 
irregular  oppositions  to  its  acknowledged  authority, 
but  also  that  you  resist,  with  care,  the  spirit  of  inno- 
vation upon  its  principles,  however  specious  the  pre- 
text. One  method  of  assault  may  be  to  effect,  in  the 
forms  of  the  Constitution,  alterations  which  will  impair 
the  energy  of  the  system,  and  thus  to  undermine  what 
cannot  be  directly  overthrown.  In  all  the  changes  to 
which  you  may  be  invited,  remember  that  time  and 
habit  are  at  least  as  necessary  to  fix  the  true  character 
of  government,  as  of  other  human  institutions ;  that 
experience  is  the  surest  standard,  by  which  to  test  the 
real  tendency  of  the  existing  constitution  of  a  country  : 
that  facility  in  changes,  upon  the  credit  of  mere  hy- 
pothesis and  opinion,  exposes  to  perpetual  change, 
from  the  endless  variety  of  hypothesis  and  opinion ' 


180  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        f  1790-5 

and  remember,  especially,  that,  for  the  efficient  manage 
ment  of  your  com/hon-  interests,  in  a  country  so  ex 
tensive  as-  ours-,  a  government  of  as  much  vigour,  as  ii 
consistent  with  the  perfect  security  of  liberty,  is  indis- 
pensable. Liberty  itself  will  find  in  such  a  government, 
with  powers  properly  distributed  and- adjusted,  its  surest 
guardian.  It  is,  indeed,  little  else  than  a  name,  where 
the  government  re  too  feebla  to  withstand  the  enter- 
prises of  faction,  to  confine  each  member  of  the  society 
within  the  limits  prescribed  by  the  laws,  anclto  maintain 
all  in  the  secure  and  tranquil  enjoyment  of  the  rights 
of  person  and  property. 

"  I  have  already  intimated  to  you,  the  danger  of 
parties  in  the  state,  with  particular  references  to  the 
founding  of  them  on  geographical  discriminations. 
Let  me  now  take  a  more  comprehensive  view,  and 
warn  you  in  the  most  solemn  manner  against  the  bane- 
fal  effects  of  the  spirit  of  party,  generally. 

"  This  spirit,  unfortunately,  is  inseparable  from  om 
nature,  having  its  root  in  the  strongest  passions  of  the 
human  ntind.  It  exists  under  different  shapes,  in  all 
governments ;  more  or  less  stifled,  controlled,  or  re- 
pressed ;  but  in  those  of  tire  popular  form,  it  is  seen  in 
its  greatest  rankness,  and  is  truly  their  worst  ene- 
my. 

'•  The  alternate  domination  of  one  faction  over  ano- 
ther, sharpened  by  the  spirit  of  revenge  natural  to 
party  dissension,  which  in  different  ages  and  countries 
has  perpetrated  the  most  horrid  enormities,  is  itself  a 
frightful  despotism  :  but  this  leads  a.t  length  to  a  more 
formal  and  permanent  despotism.  Th^  disorders  and 
miseries  which  result,  gradually  inclint  tl»e  minds  ot 
men  to  seek  security  and  repose  in  the  absolute  power 
of  an  individual ;  and  sooner  or  later,  the  c.hief  of  some; 
prevailing  faction,  more  able  or  more  forUnate  than 
his  competitors,  turns  this  disposition  to  the  purposes 
of  his  own  elevation,  on  the  ruins  of  publick  l.bcrty. 

"  Without  looking  forward  to  an  extremity  jf  this 


IT'JO-'J]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  181 

kind  (which  nevertheless  ought  not  to  be  entirely 
out  of  sight)  the  common  ;uui  continual  mischiefs  of 
the  spirit  of  party  are  sufficient,  to  make  it  the  interest 
and  duty  of  a  wise  people  to  discourage  a«d  restrain  it. 
Jt  serves  always  to  distract  the  publick  councils  and 
enfeeble  the  publick  administration.  It  agitates  the 
community  with  ill-founded  jealousies  and  false  alarm*  • 
kindles  the  animosity  of  one  part,  against  another,  fo- 
ments, occasionally,  riot  and  insurrection.  It  opens 
the  door  to  foreign  influence  and  corruption,  which  find 
a  facilitated  access  to  the  government  itself  through 
the  channels  of  party  passions.  Thus  the  policy  and 
the  will  of  one  country  are  subjected  to  the  policy  and 
will  of  another. 

"  There  is  an  opinion  that  parties  in  free  countries 
are  useful  checks  upon  the  administration  of  the  go- 
vernment, and  serve  to  keep  alive  the  spiitt  of  liberty. 
This!,  wituin  certain  limits,  is  probably  true  ;  and  in 
governments  of  a  monarchical  cast,  patriotism  may  l«ok 
with  indulgence,  if  not  with  favour,  upon  the  spirit  of 
party.  But  in  those  of  tke  popular  character,  in  go- 
vernments purely  elective,  it  is  a  spirit,  not  to  be  en- 
couraged. From  tiieir  natural  tendency  it  is  certain 
there  will  always  be  enough  of  that  spirit  for  every 
salutary  purpose  ;  and  there  being  constant  danger  of 
excess,  the  effort  ought  to  be  by  force  of  publick  opi- 
nion, to  mitigate  and  assuage  it.  A  fire  not  to  be 
quenched,  h  demands  u-niform  vigilance  to  prevent  iu 
bursting  into  a  flame,  lest  instead  of  warming  it  should 
consume. 

"  It  is  important  likewise,  that  the  habits  of  think 
ing,  in  a  free  country ,  should  inspire  caution  in  three 
intrusted  with  its  administration,  to  conf'iHS  them- 
selves within  their  respective  constitutional  spheres. 
•voiding  in  the  exercise  of  the  powers  of  one  depart- 
ment to  encroach  upon  another.  The  spirit  of  en- 
croachment tends  to  consolidate  the  powers  of  all  the 
departments  in  one,  atid  thus  to  create,  whatever  tli« 

Vol.  It  Itt 


182  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1T9G-9 

form  of  government,  a  real  despotism.  A  just  estimate 
of  that  love  of  power,  and  proneness  to  abuse  it,  which 
predominate  in  the  human  heart,  is  sufficient  to  satisfy 
us  of  the  trull:  of  this  position.  The  necessity  of  re- 
ciprocal checks  in  "the  exercise  of  political  power,  by 
dividing  and  distributing  it  into  ditl'erent  depositories, 
and  constituting  each  the  guardian  of  the  publick  weal 
against  invasions  by  the  others,  has  been  evinced  by 
experiments  ancient  and  modern  ;  some  of  them  ux 
our  country  and  under  our  own  eyes.  To  preserve 
them  must  be  as  necessary  as  to  institute  them.  If, 
m  the  opinion  of  the  people,  the  distribution  or  modifi- 
cation of  the  constitutional  powers  be  in  any  particular 
wrong,  let'it  be  corrected  by  an  amendment,  in  the 
way  which  the  Constitution  designates  :  but  let  there 
be  no  change  by  usurpation  ;  f  ,r  though  this,  in  one 
instance,  may  be  the  instrument  of  good,  it  is  the  cus- 
tomary weapon  by  which  free  governments  are  de- 
stroyed. The  precedent  must  always  greatly  over- 
balance in  permanent  evil  any  partial  or  transient  be- 
nefit which  the  use  can  at  any  time  yield. 

"  Of  all  the  dispositions  and  habits  which  lead  to  po- 
litical prosperity,  religion  and  morality  are  indispensa- 
ble supports.  In  vain  would  that  man  claim  the  tri- 
bute of  patriotism,  who  should  labour  to  subvert  these 
great  pillars  of  human  happiness,  these  firmest  props 
of  the  duties  of  men  and  citizens.  The  mere  politician, 
equally  with  the  pious  man,  ought  to  respect  and  to  che- 
rish th'em.  A  volume  could  not  trace  all  their  connexions 
with  private  and  publick  felicity.  Let  it  simply  be 
esked,  where  is  the  security  for  property,  for  reputa- 
tion, for  life,  if  the  sense  of  religious  obligation  desert 
the  oaths  which  are  the  instruments  of  investigation  in 
Courts  of  Justice  ?  And  let  us  with  caution  indulge 
the  supposition,  that  morality  can  be  maintained  with 
out  religion.  Whatever  may  be  conceded  to  the  influ- 
ence of  refined  education  on  minds  of  peculiar  struc- 
ture, reason  and  experience  both  forbid  us  to  expect 


1790-9.]        LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  183 

that  national  morality  can  prevail  in  exclusion  of  reli- 
gious principle. 

"  It  is  substantially  true  that  virtue  or  morality  is  a 
necessary  spring  of  popular  government.  The  r-ule 
indeed  extends  with  more  or  less  force  to  every  spe- 
cies of  free  government.  Who  that  is  a  sincere  friend 
to  it  can  look  with  indifference  upon  attempts  to  shake 
the  foundation  of  the  fabrick  ? 

"  Promote  then,  as  an  object  of  primary  importance, 
institutions  for  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge.  In 
proportion  as  the  structure  of  a  government  gives  force 
to  publick  opinion,  it  is  essential  that  publick  opinion 
should  be  enlightened. 

"  As  a  very  important  source  of  strength  and  secu- 
rity, cherish  publick  credit.  One  method  of  preserv 
ing  it,  is  to  use  it  as  sparingly  as  possible  ;  avoiding 
occasions  of  expense  by  cultivating  peace,  but  remem- 
bering also,  that  timely  disbursements  to  prepare  for 
danger,  frequently  prevent  much  greater  disburse- 
ments to  repel  it :  avoiding  likewise  the  accumulation 
of  debt,  not  only  by  shunning  occasions  of  expense, 
but  by  vigorous  exertions  in  time  of  peace  to  dis- 
charge the  debts  which  unavoidable  wars  may  have 
occasioned,  not  ungenerously  throwing  upon  posterity 
the  burthen  which  we  ourselves  ought  to  bear.  The 
execution  of  these  maxims  belongs  to  your  representa- 
tives, but  it  is  necessary  that  publick  opinion  should 
cooperats.  To  facilitate  to  them  the  performance  of 
their  duty,  it  is  essential  that  you  should  practically 
bear  in  mind,  that  towards  the  payment  of  debts  there 
must  be  revenue  ;  that  to  have  revenue  there  must  be 
taxes ;  that  no  taxes  can  be  devised  which  are  not 
more  or  less  inconvenient  and  unpleasant ;  that  the 
irtrinsick  embarrassment  inseparable  from  the  selec- 
tion of  the  proper  objects  (which  is  always  a  choice  of 
difficulties)  ought  to  be  a  decisive  motive  for  a  candid 
construction  of  the  conduct  of  the  government  in  mak- 
''Bj{  it  j  and  for  a  spirit  of  acquiescence  in  the  mea- 


184  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  f!79T>-9 

sums  for  obtaining  revenue,  which  the  publick  exigen- 
cies may  at  any  time  dictate. 

•'  Observe  good  faith  and  justice  towards  all  nttkns, 
cultivate  peace  and  harmony  with  all.  Religion  and 
morality  enjoin  this  Ciwitur.t  ;  and  can  it  be,  that  gooa 
policy  does  not  equally  enjoin  it  ?  It  will  be  worthy 
of  a  free,  enlightened,  and  (at  no  distant  period)  a 
gi  sat  nation,  to  give  to  mankind  the  magnanimous  and 
too  novel  example  of  a  people  always  guided  by  an  ex 
altcd  justice  and  benevolence.  Who  can  doubt  in  the 
course  of  time  and  things,  the  fruits  of  such  a  plan 
would  richly  repay  any  temporary  advantages  which 
might  be  lost  by  a  steady  adherence  to  it  ?  Can  it  be, 
that  Providence  has  not  connected  the  permanent  fe- 
licity of  a  nation  with  its  virtue  ?  The  experiment, 
at  least,  is  recommended  by  every  sentirrunt  which 
ennobles  human  nature.  Alas!  is  it  rendered  impos- 
sible by  its  vices  ? 

"  In  the  execution  of  such  a  plan,  nothing  is  more 
essential  than  that  permanent,  inveterate  antipathies 
against  particular  nations,  and  passionate  attachments 
for  others  should  be  excluded  ;  and  that,  in  place  of 
them,  just  and  amicable  feelings  towards  all  should  be 
cultivated.  The  nation  which  indulges  towards  ano- 
ther an  habitual  hatred,  or  an  habitual  fondness,  is  in 
some  degree  a  slave.  It  is  a  slave  to  its  animosity  or 
to  its  direction,  etthor  of  which  is  sufficient  to  lead  it 
astray  from  its  duty  and  its  interest.  Antipathy  in  one 
nation,  against  another,  disposes  each  more  readily  to 
ofler  insult  and  injury,  to  lay  hold  of  slight  causes  « f 
umbrage,  and  to  be  haughty  and  intractable,  when  8> 
".idental  or  trifling  occasions  of  dispute  occur. 

"  Hence  frequent  collisions,  obstinate,  envenomed, 
and  bloody  contests.  The  nation,  prompted  by  ill  will 
and  resent 'iient,  sometimes  impels  to  war  the  govern- 
ment, contrary  to  the  best  calculations  of  policy.  The 
government  sometimes  participates  in  the  national  pro- 
pensity, and  adopts,  through  passion,  what  reason 


179<>-9.]       LIFE  UY  WASHINGTON.  185 

would  reject ;  at  other  times,  it  makes  the  anlmositj 
of  the  nation  subservient  to  projects  of  hostility,  insti- 
gated by  pride,  ambition,  and  other  sinister  and  perni- 
cious motives.  The  peace  often,  sometimes,  perhaps, 
the  liberty  of  nations  has  been  the  victim. 

"  So  likewise,  a  passionate  attachment  of  one  nation 
tor  another  produces  a  variety  of  evils.  Sympathy 
for  the  favourite  nation,  facilitating  the  illusion  of  an 
imaginary  common  interest,  in  cases  where  no  real 
common  interest  exists,  and  infusing  into  one  the  en- 
mities of  the  other,  betrays  the  former  into  a  partici- 
pation in  the  quarrels  and  wars  of  the  latter,  without 
adequate  inducement  or  justification.  It  leads  also  to 
concessions  to  the  favourite  nauon  of  privileges  de- 
nied to  others,  which  is  apt  doubly  to  injure  the  nation 
making  the  concessions  ;  by  unnecessarily  parting 
with  what  ought  to  have  been  retained  ;  and  by  excit- 
ing jealousy  ill  will,  and  a  disposition  to  retaliate,  in 
the  parties  from  whom  equal  privileges  are  withheld 
and  it  gives  to  ambitious,  corrupted,  or  deluded  citi- 
zens (who  devote  themselves  to  the  favourite  nation) 
facility  to  betray,  or  sacrifice  the  interests  of  their  own 
country,  without  odium,  sometimes  even  with  popu- 
larity ;  gilding  with  the  appearances  of  a  virtuous 
sense  of  obligation,  a  commendable  deference  for  pub- 
lick  opinion,  or  a  laudable  zeal  for  publick  good,  the 
base  or  foolish  compliances  of  ambition,  corruption,  or 
infatuation. 

"  As  avenues  to  foreign  influence  in  innumerable 
ways,  such  attachments  are  particularly  alarming  to 
the  truly  enlightened  and  independent  patriot.  How 
many  opportunities  do  they  afford  to  tamper  with  do- 
mestick  factions,  to  practise  the  arts  of  seduction,  to 
mislead  publick  opinion,  to  influence  or  awe  the  pub- 
lick  councils  I  Such  an  attachment  of  a  small  or  weak, 
towards  a  great  and  powerful  nation,  dooms  the  former 
to  be  the  satellite  of  the  latter. 

"  Against  the  insidious  wiles  of  foreign  influence 
16" 


186  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1756-s 

(I  conjure  you  to  \  elievc  me,  fellow  citizens)  the  jea- 
lousy of  a  free  people  ought  t"  he  cunsttinlly  awake  ; 
since  history  and  experience  prove  that  foreign  influ- 
ence is  one  of  the  most  baneful  foes  of  republican  go- 
vernmont.  But  that  jealousy  to  he  useful  must  be 
impartial  ;  else  it  becomes  the  instrument  of  the  very 
influence  to  be  avoided,  instead  of  a  defence  against  it. 
Excessive  partiality  fir  one  foreign  nation,  and  exces- 
sive dislike  of  another,  cause  those  whom  they  actuate 
to  see  danger  only  on  one  side,  and  serve  to  veil  and 
even  second  the  arts  of  influence  on  the  other.  Real 
patriots,  who  may  resist  the  intrigues  of  the  favourite, 
are  liable  to  become  suspected  and  odious ;  while  its 
tools  and  dupes  usurj,  the  applause  and  confidence  of 
the  people,  to  surrender  their  interests. 

4i  The  great  rule  of  c»,.idiict  for  ns,  in  regard  to  fo- 
reign nations,  is,  in  extending  our  commercial  rela- 
tions, to  have  with  them  as  little  political  connexion  as 
possible.  So  far  ns  we  have  already  formed  engage- 
ments, let  them  be  fulfilled  with  perfect  good  faith. 
Here  let  us  stop. 

"  Europe  has  a  set  of  primary  interests,  which  to  UB 
have  none,  or  a  very  remote  relation.  Hence  she 
must  be  engaged  in  frequent  controversies,  the  causes 
of  which  are  essentially  foreign  to  our  concerns. 
Hence,  therefore,  it  must  be  unwise  in  us  to  implicate 
ourselves  by  artificial  ties,  in  the  ordinary  vicissitudes 
of  hef  politicks,  or  the  ordinary  combinations  and  col- 
lisions of  her  friendships,  or  enmities. 

"  Our  detached  and  distant  situation. invites  s.nd  en- 
ables us  to  pursue  a  different  course.  If  we  remain 
o«e  people,  under  an  efficient  government,  the  period 
is  not  far  off",  when  we  may  defy  rnateria  injury  from 
external  annoyance  ;  when  we  may  take  such  an  atti- 
tude as  will  cause  the  neutrality  we  may  at  any  time 
resolve  upon,  to  be  scrupulously  icspected  ;  when  bel- 
ligerent nations,  under  the  impossibility  of  making  ac- 
quisitions upon  us,  will  not  lightly  hazard  the  giving 


17<X>-9.]          LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  18> 

Us  provocation  ;   when  we  may  choose   peace  or   war 
is  our  interest,  guided  by  justice,  shall  counsel. 

"  Why  forego  the  advantages  of  so  peculiar  a  situa- 
tion ?  Why  quit  our  own  to  stand  upon  foreign 
ground  ?  Why,  by  interweaving  our  destiny  with  that 
of  any  part  of  Europe,  entangle  our  peace  and  pros- 
perity in  the  toils  of  European  ambition,  rivalship,  in- 
terest, humour,  or  caprice  ? 

"  It  is  o-:r  true  policy  to  steer  clear  of  permanent 
alliances  with  any  portion  of  the  foreign  world  ;  so  far 
I  mean,  as  we  are  now  at  liberty  to  do  it ;  for  let  me 
not  be  understood  as  capable  of  patronising  infidelity 
to  existing  engagements.  I  hold  the  maxim  no  less 
applicable  to  publick  than  to  private  affairs,  that  ho- 
nesty is  al>vays  the  best  policy.  I  repeat  it,  therefore, 
let  those  engagements  be  observed  in  their  genuine 
sense.  But,  in  my  opinion,  it  is  unnecessary  and 
would  be  unwise  to  extend  them. 

"  Taking  care  always  to  keep  ourselves,  by  suitable 
establishments,  on  a  respectable  defensive  posture, 
we  may  safely  trust  to  temporary  alliances  for  extra- 
ordinary emergencies. 

"  Harmony,  and  a  liberal  intercourse  with  all  na- 
tions, are  recommended  by  policy,  humanity,  and  in- 
terest. But  even  our  commercial  policy  should  hold 
an  equal  and  impartial  hand  ;  neither  seeking  nor 
granting  exclusive  favours  or  preferences  ;  consulting 
the  natural  course  of  things;  diffusing  nnd  diversify- 
ing, by  gentle  means,  the  streams  of  commerce,  bul 
forcing  nothing  ;  establishing,  with  powers  so  disposed, 
in  order  to  give  trade  a  stable  course,  to  define  the 
rights  of  our  merchants,  and  to  enable  the  govern- 
ment to  support  them  ;  conventional  rules  of  inter- 
course, the  best  that  present  circumstances  and  mutual 
opinion  will  permit,  but  temporary,  and  liable  to  b€ 
from  time  to  time  abandoned  or  varied,  as  experie.-nce 
and  circumstances  sha  1  dictate  ;  constantly  keeping 
in  view,  that  it  is  folly  in  one  nation  to  lx>k  for  disin 


188  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.      [1796-j 

lerestod  favours  from  another  ;  that  it  must  pay,  with 
&  portion  of  its  independence  for  whatever  it  may  ac- 
cept under  that  character  ;  that  by  such  acceptance, 
it  may  place  itself  in  the  condition  of  having  given 
equivalents  for  nominal  favours,  and  yet  of  being  re- 
proached with  ingratitude  for  not  giving  more.  There 
can  be  no  greater  errour  than  to  expect,  or  calculate 
upon  real  favours  from  nation  to  nation.  It  is  an  illu- 
sion which  experience  must  cure,  which  a  just  pride 
cught  to  discard. 

"  In  offering  to  you,  my  countrymen,  these  coun- 
sels of  an  old  and  affectionate  friend,  I  dare  not  hope 
they  will  make  the  strong  and  lasting  impression  1 
coul'd  wish  ;  -that  they  will  control  the  usual  current 
of  the  passions,  or  prevent  our  nation  from  running 
the  course  which  has  hitherto  marked  the  destiny  of 
nations :  but  if  I  may  even  flatter  myself  that  they 
may  l»e  productive  of  some  partial  benefit,  some  occa- 
sional good  ;  that  they  may  now  and  then  recur,  to 
moderate  the  fury  of  party  spirit,  to  warn  against  the 
mischiefs  of  foreign  intrigue,  to  guard  against  the  im 
postures  of  pretended  patriotism  ;  this  hope  will  be  a 
full  recompense  for  the  solicitude  for  your  welfare,  by 
which  they  have  been  dictated.  • 

"  How  far,  in  the  discharge  of  my  official  duties,  I 
have  been  guided  by  the  principles  which  have  been 
delineated,  the  publick  records  and  other  evidences  of 
my  conduct  must  witness  to  you  and  to  the  world. 
To  myself,  the  assurance  of  my  own  conscience  is, 
that  I  have  at  least  believed  myself  to  be  guided  by 
them. 

"  In  relation  to  the  still  subsisting  war  in  Europe, 
my  Proclamation  of  the  22d  of  April,  1793,  is  the  in- 
dex to  my  plan.  Sanctioned  by  your  approving  voice, 
and  by  that  of  your  Representatives  in  both  Houses 
of  Congress,  the  spirit  of  that  measure  has  continual- 
ly governed  ine  ;  uninfluenced  by  any  attempts  io  do 
ler  or  divert  me  from  it. 


175)0-!).]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  180 

"  After  deliberate  examination  with  the  aid  of  th* 
best  lights  I  could  obtain,  I  was  well  satisfied  that  out 
country,  under  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  had 
i  right  to  take,  and  was-bound  in  duty  and  interest  to 
take  a  neutral  position.  Having  taken  it,  1  determined, 
as  far  as  should  depend  upon  me,  to  maintain  it  with 
moderation,  perseverance,  and  firmness. 

"  The  considerations  which  respect  the  right  to 
nold  this  conduct,  it  is  not  necessary,  on  thie  occasion, 
to  detail.  1  will  only  observe,  thai  according  to  my 
understanding  of  the  matter,  that  right,  so  far  from 
being  denied  by  any  of  the  beliigerent  powers,  has 
been  virtually  admitted  by  all. 

"  The  duty  of  holding  a  noutral  conduct  may  be  in- 
ferred, without  any  thing  more,  from  the  obligation 
which  justice  arid  humanity  impose  on  every  nation, 
in  cases  in  which  it  is  free  to  act,  to  maintain  inviolate 
the  relations  of  peace  and  amity  towards  other  nations 

"  The  inducements  of  interest  for  observing  that 
conduct  will  best  be  referred  to  your  own  reflections 
and  experience.  With  me,  a  predominant  motive  has 
been  to  endeavour  to  gain  time  to  our  country  to  set- 
tle and  mature  its  yet  recent  institutions,  and  to  pro 
gress  without  interruption,  to  that  degree  of  strength 
and  consistency,  which  is  necessary  to  give  it,  human- 
ly speaking,  the  command  of  its  own  fortunes. 

"  Though  in  reviewing  the  incidents  of  my  adminis- 
tration, 1  am  unconscious  of  intentional  errour,  I  am 
nevertheless  too  sensible  of  my  defects  not  to  think  it 
probable  that  I  may  have  committed  many  erroura. 
Whatever  they  may  be,  I  fervently  beseech  the  Al 
mighty  to  avert  or  mitigate  the  evils  to  which  they 
may  tend.  I  shall  also  carry  with  me  the  hope  thai 
my  country  will  never  cease  to  view  them  with  indul- 
gence ;  and  that  after  forty-five  years  of  my  life  dedi- 
cated to  its  service,  with  an  upright  zeal,  the  faults  ol 
incompetent  abilities  will  .be  consigned  to  oblivion,  at 
vyself  must  soon  be  to  the  mansions  of  rest. 


90  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.      [1796-9 

"  Relying  on  its  kindness  in  this,  as  in  other  things, 
and  actuated  by  that  fervent  love  towards  it,  which  ia 
BO  natural  to  a  man,  who  views  in  it  the  native  soil  of 
himself  and  his  progenitors  for  sev  jral  generations ;  I 
anticipate  with  pleasing  expectation,  that  retreat,  in 
which  I  promise  myself  to  realize,  without  alloy,  the 
sweet  enjoyment  of  partaking,  in  the  midst  of  iny  fel- 
low citizens,  the  benign  influence  of  good  laws  under 
a  free  government — the  ever  favourite  object  of  my 
heart,  and  the  happy  reward,  as  I  trust,  of  our  mutual 
cares,  labours,  and  dangers. " 

This  Address  to  the  people  of  the  United  States  was 
received  with  the  highest  veneration  and  gratitude 
Several  of  the  State  Legislatures  ordered  it  to  be  put 
upon  their  journals,  and  every  citizen  considered  it 
as  the  legacy  of  the  most  distinguished  American 
Patriot. 

On  the  7th  of  December,  1796,  the  President  for 
the  last  time,  met  the  National  Legislature.  In  his 
Speech,  after  taking  a  view  of  the  situation  of  the 
United  States,  he,  regardless  of  opposition  and  cen 
sure,  recommended  the  attention  of  Congress  to  those 
measures  which  he  deemed  essential  to  national  inde- 
pendence, honour,  and  prosperity.  The  first  among 
these  was  the  creation  of  a  Navy. 

"  To  an  active  external  commerce,  the  protection 
of  a  naval  force  is  indispensable.  This  is  manifest 
with  regard  to  wars  in  which  a  State  is  itself  a  party: 
but  besides  this,  it  is  in'our  own  experience,  that  the 
most  sincere  neutrality  is  not  a  sufficient  guard  against 
the  depredations  of  nations  at  war.  To  secure  re- 
spect to  a  neutral  flag  requires  a  naval  force,  organ- 
ized and  ready  to  vindicate  it  from  insult  or  aggres 
sion.  This  may  even  prevent  the  necessity  of  going 
to  war,  by  discouraging  belligerent  powers  from  com- 
mitting such  violations  of  the  rights  of  the  neutral 
party,  as  may  first  or  last,  leave  no  other  option. 
From  the  best  information  I  have  been  able  to  obtain, 


1796-9.J        LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  191 

,'t  would  seem  as   if  our  trade   to  the   Mediterranean 
without  a  protecting  force,  will   always  be  insecure 
and  our  citizens  exposed  to  the  calamities  from  which 
numbers  of  them  have  but  just  been  relieved. 

"  These  .considerations  invite  the  United  States 
to  look  to  the  means,  and  to  set  about  the  gradual 
creation  of  a  Navy.  The  increasing  progress  of  their 
navigation  promises  them,  at  no  distant  period,  the 
requisite  supply  of  seamen  ;  and  their  means,  in  other 
respects,  favour  the  undertaking.  It  is  an  encourage- 
ment, likewise,  that  their  particular  situation  will  give 
weight  and  influence  to  a  moderate  naval  force  in 
their  hands.  Will  it  not  then  be  adviseable  to  begin 
without  delay  to  provide  and  lay  up  materials  for  the 
buHding  and  equipping  of  ships  of  war  ;  and  to  pro- 
ceed in  the  work  by  degrees,  in  proportion  as  our  re- 
sources shall  render  it  practicable  without  inconve- 
nience ;  so  that  a  future  war  of  Europe  may  not  find 
our  commerce  in  the  same  unprotected  state  in  which 
it  was  found  by  the  present." 

He  proceeded  to  recommend  those  establishments 
for  the  manufacturing  such  articles  as  are  necessary 
for  the  defence  of  the  country,  an  institution  for  the 
improvement  of  agriculture,  a  Military  Academy,  and 
a  National  University.  In  reference  to  foreign  powers, 
ne  observed  : 

"  While  in  our  external  relations,  some  serious  in 
conveniences  and  embarrassments  have  been  over- 
come, and  others  lessened,  it  is  with  much  pain  and 
deep  regret'  I  mention  that  circumstances,  of  n  very 
nnwelcorne  nature,  have  lately  occurred.  Our  trade 
has  suffered,  and  is  suffering  extensive  injuries  in  the 
West  Indies  from  the  cruisers  and  agents  of  the 
French  Republick  ;  and  communications  have  been 
received  from  its  minister  here,  which  indicate  the 
danger  of  a  further  disturbance  of  our  commerce  by 
its  authority  ;  and  which  are  in  other  respects  far  firm 
Agreeable. 


f'J2  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [r/96-9 

"  [t  has  been  rny  constant,  sincere,  and  earnest  wish, 
in  conformity  with  that  of  our  nation,  to  maintain 
cordial  harmony,  and  a  perfectly  friendly  understand- 
ing with  that  Republick.  This  wish  remains  unabated  : 
and  I  shall  persevere  in  the  endeavour  to  fulfil  it  to 
the  utmost  extent  of  what  shall  he  consistent  with  a 
just  and  indispensable  regrard  to  the  rights  and  honour 
of  our  country  ;  nor  will  1  easily  cease  to  cherish  the 
expectation,  that  a  spirit  of  justice,  candour,  and  friend- 
ship, on  the  part  of  the  Republick,  will  eventually  en 
sure  success. 

"  In  pursuing  this  course,  however,  I  cannot  forget 
what  is  due  to  the  character  of  our  government  and 
nation  ;  or  to  a  full  and  entire  confidence  in  the  good 
sense,  patriotism,  self-respect,  and  fortitude  of  my 
countrymen." 

In  the  following  manner,  he  concluded  his  Address 
"  The  situation  in  which  I  now  stand,  for  the  last 
time,  in  the  midst  of  the  representatives  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  United  States,  naturally  recalls  the  period 
when  the  administration  of  the  present  form  of  Go- 
vernment commenced  ;  and  I  cannot  omit  this  occa- 
sion to  congratulate  you  and  my  country  on  the  suc- 
cess of  the  experiment  ;  nor  to  repeat  my  fervent 
supplications  to  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe, 
and  Sovereign  Arbiter  of  Nations,  that  his  providential 
care  may  stiM  bo  extended  to  the  United  States  ;  that 
the  virtue  and  happiness  of  the  people  may  be  pre- 
served, and  that  the  government  which  they  have  in- 
stituted for  the  protection  of  their  liberties,  may  b« 
perpetual." 

The  Senate  in  their  reply  approved  the  sentiment* 
of  the  address,  and,  noticing  the  prosperity  of  th« 
United  States,  they  added, 

"  Whilst  contemplating  the  causes  that  produced 
this  auspicious  result,  we  must  acknowledge  the  ex- 
tellence  of  the  constitutional  system,  and  the  wisdom 
ot  the  legislative  provisions ;  but  we  should  be  deficient 


/790-9.]      MFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1% 

in  grat'tude  and  justice,  did  wo  not  attribute  a  great 
portion  of  these  advantages  to  the  virtue,  firmness,  and 
talents  of  your  administration  ;  which  have  been  Con- 
spicuously displayed,  in  the  most  trying  times,  and  on 
the  mosi  c'ltical  occasions  ;  it  is  therefore  with  tho 
•incerest  regret,  that  we  now  receive  an  official  notifi- 
cation of  your  intentions  to  retire  from  the  public k 
employments  of  your  country. 

"  Wheiv  we  review  the  various  scenes  of  your  pub 
lick  life,  so  long  and  so  successfully  devoted  to  the 
most  arduous  services,  civil  and  military  ;  as  well  dur 
ing  the  struggles  of  the  American  Revolution,  as  the 
convulsive  periods  of  a  recent  date,  we  cannot  look 
forward  to  your  retirement  without  our  warmest  affec- 
tions and  most  anxious  regards  accompanying  you  ; 
and  without  mingling  with  our  fellow  citizens  at  large, 
in  the  sincerest  wishes  for  your  personal  happiness, 
that  sensibility  and  attachment  can  express. 

"  The  most  effectual  consolation  that  can  offer  for 
tho  loss  we  are  about  to  sustain,  arises  from  the  ani- 
mating reflection  that  the  influence  of  your  example 
will  extend  to  your  successors,  and  the  United  States 
thus  continue  to  enjoy  an  able,  upright,  and  energetick 
Administration." 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  an  answer,  which 
promised  attention  to  the  st-vefal  subjects  recommend- 
ed in  the  Speech,  and  concluded  as  follows,  was  aller 
pointed  objection  and  warm  debate,  voted  by  a  *arge 
majority. 

"  And  while  we  entertain  a  grateful  conviction  that 
your  wise,  firm,  and  patriotic!?  administration  hai 
been  signally  conducive  to  the  success  of  the  present 
form  of  government,  we  cannot  forbear  to  express  th« 
deep  sensations  of  regret  with  which  we  contemplate 
your  intended  retirement  from  office. 

"  As  no  other  suitable  occasion  may  occur,  we  can- 
not suffer  the  present  to  pass  without  attempting  to 

VOL.  II.  17 


194  L1F£  OF   WASHINGTON.       [1796-? 

disclose  some  of  the  emotions  whieh  it  cannot  fail  in 
awaken. 

"  The  gratitude  and  admiration  of  your  country- 
men are  still  drawn  to  the  recollection  of  those  re- 
splendent virtues  and  talents  which  were  so  eminently 
instrumental  to  the  achievement  of  the  Revolution, 
•and  of  which  that  glorious  event  will  ever  be  the  me- 
morial. Your  obedience  to  the  voice  of  duty  and  your 
country,  when  you  quitted  reluctantly,  a  second  time, 
the  retreat  you  had  chosen,  and  first  accepted  the  Pre- 
sidency, afforded  a  new  proof  of  the  devotedness  of 
your  zeal  in  its  service,  and  an  earnest  of  the  patriot- 
ism and  success  which  have  chaiacterized  your  Ad- 
ministration. As  the  grateful  confidence  of  the  citi- 
zens in  the  virtues  of  their  Chief  Magistrate  has  es- 
sentially contributed  to  that  success,  we  persuade  our- 
selves that  the  millions  whom  we  represent,  partici 
pate  with  us  in  the  anxious  solicitude  of  the  present 
occasion. 

"  Yet  we  cannot  be  unmindful  that  your  moderation 
and  magnanimity,  twice  displayed  by  retiring  from 
vour  exalted  stations,  afford  examples  no  less  rare  and 
instructive  to  mankind  than  valuable  to  a  Republick. 

"  Although  we  are  sensible  that  tiiis  event,  of  itself, 
completes  the  lustre  of  a  character  already  conspicu- 
ously unrivalled  by  the  coincidence  of  virtue,  talents, 
success,  and  publick  estimation  ;  yet  we  conceive  we 
owe  it  to  you,  sir.,  and  still  more  emphatically  to  our- 
selves and  to  our  nation,  (of  the  language  of  whose 
hearts  we  presume  to  think  ourselves,  at  this  moment, 
the  faithful  interpreters)  to  express  the  sentiment* 
with  which  it  is  contemplated. 

"  The  spectacle  of  a  free  and  enlightened  nation, 
offering  by  its  Representatives  the  tribute  of  unfeign- 
ed approbation  to  its  first  citizen,  however  novel  and 
interesting  it  may  be,  derives  all  its  lustre  (a  lustra 
which  accident  or  enthusiasm  could  not  bestow,  and 


179G-9.J       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  10t> 

which  adulation  would  tarnish)  from  the  transcendent 
merit,  of  which  it  is  the  voluntary  testimony. 

"  May  you  long  enjoy  that  liberty  which  is  so  dear 
to  you,  and  to  which  your  name  will  ever  be  so  dear 
May  your  own  virtue  and  a  nation's  prayers  obtain 
the  happiest  sunshine  for  the  decline  of  your  days, 
and  the  choicest  of  future  blessings.  For  our  coun- 
try's sake,  and  for  the  sake  of  republican  liberty,  it  in 
our  earnest  wish  that  your  example  may  be  the  guide 
of  your  successors  ;  and  thus,  after  being  the  orna- 
ment and  safeguard  of  the  present  age,  become  the 
patrimony  of  our  descendants  " 

President  WASHINGTON  now  with  supreme  delight 
anticipated  the  time  when  he  should  quit  the  storms 
and  agitations  of  pubiick  life,  for  the  retirement  of 
Mount  Vernon  ;  an**  <m  the  day,  which  terminated  his 
Presidential  course,  he  directed  the  following  letter  to 
the  Secretary  of  State 

«  DEAR  SIR, 

"  At  the  conclusion  of  my  publick  employments  I 
have  thought  it  expedient  to  notice  the  publication  of 
certain  forged  letters  which  first  appeared  in  the  year 
1776,  and  were  obtruded  upon  the  publick  as  mine. 
They  are  said  by  the  editor  to  have  been  found  in  a 
email  portmanteau  that  I  had  left  in  the  care  of  my 
mulatto  servant  named  Billy,  who  it  is  pretended  was 
taken  prisoner  at  Fort  Lee,  in  1776.  The  period 
when  these  letters  were  first  printed  will  be  recollect- 
ed, and  what  were  the  impressions  they  were  intended 
to  produce  on  the  publick  mind.  It  was  then  supposed 
to  be  of  some  consequence  to  strike  at  the  integrity  of 
the  motives  of  the  American  Commander  in  Chief, 
and  to  paint  his  inclinations  as  at  variance  with  his 
professions  and  his  duty — another  crisis  in  the  affairs 
of  America  having  occurred,  the  same  weapon  has 
been  resorted  to,  to  wound  my  character  and  deceive 
»!ie  people. 


196  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.       [1790-9 

"  The  letters  in  question  have  the  dates,  addresses, 
»ttd  signatures  here  following." 

"  Xew-  York,  June  12,  1776. 

"  To  Mr.  LUND   WASHINGTON,  at   Mount    Verno*t 
Fairfax  County,  Virginia.  G.  W. 

"  June  18,  1776. 

"  To  JOHN  PARK  CUSTIS,  Esq.  at  the  Hon.  BENE 
DICT  CALVERT'S,  Esq.  MourJ.  Airy,  Maryland.  G.  W. 
"  JVeic-  York  July  8, 1776. 

u  To  Mr.  Lnso  WASHINGTON,  Mount   Vtrnon,  Fair. 
fax  County,  Virginia.  G.  W.. 

"  JVcw-  York,  July  1C,  1776. 

"  To  Mr.  LUND   WASHINGTON.  G.  W. 

"  New-York,  July  15,  1776. 

"  To  Mr.  LUND  WASH INOTON.  G.  W. 

"  JVrw-  York,  July  22,  1776. 

"  To  Mr.  LUND  WASHINGTON.  G.  W. 

"  June  24,  1776. 

"  To  Mrs.  \V  <«HINGTOH. 

"  At  the  tirno  when  these  letters  first  appeared,  it 
was  notorious  to  the  army  immediately  under  my  coin 
main],  and  particularly  to  the  gentlemen  attached  to 
my  person,  that  my  mulatto  man  Billy  had  never  been 
ons  moment  in  the  power  of  the  enemy.  It  is  also  a 
fact  that  no  part  of  uiy  baggage,  or  any  of  my  at 
tendants,  were  captured  during  the  whole  course  of 
the  war.  These  well  kiuwn  facts  made  it  unnecessa- 
ry, during  the  war,  to  cal  the  publick  attention  to  the 
forgery,  by  any  express  declaration  of  mine  ;  and  a 
firm  reliance  on  my  fellow  citizens,  and  the  abundant 
proofs  they  gave  of  their  confidence  in  me,  rendered  it 
alike  unnecessary  to  take  any  formal  notice  of  the  ro- 
vival  of  the  imposition,  during  my  civil  administration. 
\}ut  as  1  cannot  know  how  soon  a  more  serious  evenl 
may  succeed  to  that  which  will  this  day  take  place,  1 
have  thought  it  a  duty  that  I  owed  to  myself,  to  rny 
country,  and  to  truth,  now  to  detail  the  circumstance* 
above  recited,  and  to  add  my  solemn  declaration  that 


1706-9.J      LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  197 

the  letters  herein  described,  are  a  base  forgery,  and 
that  i  never  saw  or  heard  of  them  until  they  appeared 
in  print.  The  present  letter  I  commit  to  your  care, 
and  desire  it  may  be  deposited  in  the  office  of  the  De- 
partment of  State  as  a  testimony  of  the  truth  to  the 
present  generation  and  to  posterity." 

On  the  fourth  of  March  1797,  he  attended  the  Inau- 
guration of  his  successor  in  office.  Great  sensibility 
was  manifested  by  the  members  of  the  Legislature 
and  other  distinguished  characters,  when  he  entered 
the  Senate  Chamber  ;  and  much  admiration  expressed, 
at  the  complacence  and  delight,  he  manifested  at  see- 
ing another  clothed  with  the  authority,  with  which  he 
had  himself  been  invested. 

Having  paid  his  affectionate  compliments  to  Mr. 
Adams  as  President  of  the  United  States,  he  bid  adieu 
to  the  seat  of  government,  and  hastened  to  the  de 
lights  of  domestick  life.  He  intended  that  his  jour 
ney  should  have  been  private,  but  the  attempt  was 
vain  ;  the  same  affectionate  and  respectful  attentions 
were  on  this  occasion  paid  him,  which  he  had  received 
during  his  Presidency. 

At  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitution,  foreign 
powers  refused  all  negotiation  with  Congress,  publick 
credit  was  lost,  nor  was  any  function  of  a  living  go- 
vernment performed.  Under  his  own  auspices,  -Gene 
ral  WASHINGTON  saw  a  National  Government  firmly 
established,  and  the  country  rise  to  a  state  of  strength 
arid  respectability  ;  controversies  with  foreign  nations, 
which  had  long  existed,  and  which  involved  the  best 
interests  of  the  United  States  settled  ;  the  resources 
of  the  country  explored  and  brought  into  action  ;  the 
debts  of  the  war  funded,  and  credit  restored,  through 
%11  the  ramifications  of  publick  and  private  concerns  , 
the  agriculture  and  commerce  of  his  country  flourish- 
ing beyond  example,  and  its  capital  doubled. 

One  cloud  only  at  this  time   obscured   the  political 
horizon  of  the  United  States.     France  hid  assumed  a 
17" 


198  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.        [1796-5* 

threatening  attitude  ;  but  for  the  peace  an«l  safety  of 
the  country,  the  General  confided  in  the  patriotism 
of  his  fellow  citizens,  under  the  providence  of  Hea. 
Ten. 

In  the  rejection  of  the  American  Envoys  hy  the 
Court  of  France,  in  their  menaces  to  the  United 
Sitates,  and  in  the  measures  adrpted  under  tht  ad- 
ministration of  Mr.  Adams,  his  feelings  were  deeply 
Interested.  When  the  indignities  of  the  Directory 
exceeded  endurance,  and  the  spirit  of  the  American 
nation  was  roused  to  resistance,  every  eye  was  direct- 
ed to  him  as  the  Military  leader.  He  might,  without 
jealousy,  be  placed  at  the  head  of  a  .powerful  army, 
and  could  bring  into  the  field  all  the  military  strength 
niid  talents  of  the  country. 

Colonel  Hamilton  in  May  17!)8,  intimated  to  him  this 
universal  expectation;  to  whom  General  WASHING 
TON  thus  replied. 

"  You  may  be  assured  that  my  mind  is  deeply  im 
pressed  with  the  present  situation  of  publick  affairs, 
and  not  a  little  agitated  by  the  outrageous  conduct  of 
France  towards  the  United  States,  and  at  the  inimica' 
conduct  of  those  partisans  who  aid  and  abet  tier  mea 
sures.  You  may  believ«  further,  from  assurances 
equally  sincere,  that  if  there  was  any  thing  in  my 
power  to  be  done  consistently,  to  avert  or  lessen  the 
danger  of  the  crisis,  it  should  be  rendered  with  hand 
\nd  heart. 

"  But,  my  dear  Sir,  dark  as  matters  appear  at  prn 
•ent,  and  expedient  as  it  is  to  be  prepared  for  the  worst 
that  can  happen  (and  no  man  is  more  disposed  to  t his 
measure  than  I  am)  I  cannot  make  up  my  mind  yet, 
for  the  expectation  of  open  war  ;  or,  in  other  words, 
for  a  formidable  invasirn  by  France.  I  cannot  believe, 
although  I  think,  her  Capable  of  any  thing,  that  she 
will  attempt  to  do  more  than  she  has  done.  When 
Jno  perceives  the  spirit  and  policy  of  this  country 
using  into  resistance,  and  that  she  has  falsely  caluiatMi 


171)6-9.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  199 

upon  support  from  a  large  part  of  the  people  to  pro- 
mote her  views  and  influence  in  it,  she  will  desist  even 
from  these  practices,  unless  unexpected  events  in  Eu- 
rope, or  the  acquisition  of  Louisiana  and  the  Floridas 
should  induce  her  to  continue  them.  And  I  believe 
further,  that  although  the  leaders  of  their  party  in 
this  country  will  not  change  their  sentiments,  they 
will  be  obliged  to  change  their  plan,  or  the  mode  of 
carrying  it  on.  The  effervescence  which  is  appearing 
in  all  quarters  and  the  desertion  of  their  followers, 
will  frown  them  into  silence,  at  least  for  a  while. 

"  If  I  did  not  view  things  in  this  light,  my  mind 
would  be  infinitely  more  disquieted  than  it  is  :  for,  if 
a  crisis  should  arrive  when  a  sense  of  duty,  or  a  call 
from  r..y  country  should  become  so  imperious  as  to 
leave  mo  no  choice,  I  should  prepare  for  relinquish- 
ment,  and  go  wiih  as  much  reluctance  from  my  present 
peaceful  abode,  as  I  should  go  to  the  tombs  of  my  an- 
cestors." 

In  June,  President  Adams  wrote  General  WASHING- 
TON a  letter  in  which  he  thus  alluded  to  his  again  ap- 
pearing in  a  pubhck  character. 

"  In  forming  an  army,  whenever  I  must  come  to 
that  extremity,  I  am  at  an  immense  loss  whether  to 
call  out  all  the  old  Generals,  or  to  appoint  a  young 
net.  If  the  French  come  here,  we  must  learn  to  march 
with  a  quick  step,  and  to  attack,  for  in  that  way  only 
they  are  said  to  be  vulnerable.  I  must  tax  you  some- 
times for  advice.  We  must  have  your  name,  if  you 
will,  in  any  case,  permit  us  to  use  it.  There  will  be 
more  efficacy  in  it  than  in  many  an  army." 

Four  days  after  the  Secretary  of  War  addressed  him 
•n  the  follov  ing  manner  on  the  same  subject. 

"  May  we  ilatter  ourselves  that,  in  a  crisis  so  awful 
and  important,  you  will  accept  the  command  of  all  our 
armies  ?  I  hope  you  will,  because  you  alone  crtn  unite 
all  hearts  and  all  hands,  if  it  is  possible  that  they  can 
be  united." 


200  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

To  the  President  he  thus  replied. 
"  At  the  epoch  of  my  retirement,  an  invasion  of 
these  states  by  any  European  power,  or  even  the  pro- 
bability of  such  an  event  in  my  days,  was  so  far  from 
being  contemplated  by  me,  that  I  had  no  conception 
either  that  or  any  other  occurrence  would  arise,  in  so 
short  a  period,  which  could  turn  my  eyes  from  the 
•hades  of  Mount  Vernon.  But  this  seems  to  be  the 
age  of  wonders.  And  it  is  reserved  lor  intoxicated 
and  lawless  France  (for  purposes  of  providence  far 
beyond  the  reach  of  human  ken)  to  slaughter  her  own 
citizens,  and  to  disturb  the  repose  of  all  the  world  be- 
sides. From  a  view  of  the  past,  from  the  prospect  of 
the  present,  and  of  that  which  seems  to  be  expected, 
it  is  not  easy  for  me  to  decide  satisfactorily  on  the 
part  it  might  best  become  me  to  act.  In  case  of  actu 
al  invasion  by  a  formidable  force,  I  certainly  should 
not  entrench  myself  under  the  cover  of  age  and  re- 
tirement, if  my  services  should  ba  required  by  my 
country  to  assist  in  repelling  it.  And  if  there  be  good 
cause  to  expect  such  an  event,  which  certainly  must 
be  better  known  to  the  government  than  to  private 
citizens,  delay  in  preparing  for  it  may  be  dangerous, 
improper,  and  not  to  be  justified  by  prudence.  The 
uncertainty  however  of  the  latter,  in  my  mind,  creates 
my  embarrassment  ;  for  I  cannot  bring  it  to  believe, 
regardless  as  the  French  are  of  treaties,  and  of  the 
laws  of  nations,  and  capable  as  I  conceive  them  to  be 
of  any  species  of  despotism  and  injustice,  that  they 
w'U  attempt  to  invade  this  country  after  such  an  uni- 
form and  unequivocal  expression  of  the  determination 
of  the  people  in  all  parts  to  oppose  them  with  their 
lives  and  fortunes.  That  they  have  beer  led  to  be- 
lieve by  their  agents  and  partisans  among  us  that  we 
are  a  divided  people,  that  the  latter  are  opposed  to 
their  own  government,  and  that  the  slww  of  a  small 
force  would  occasion  a  revolt,  I  have  no  doubt  ;  and 
how  far  these  men  (grown  desperate)  will  further  at 


I79G-9.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  2tn 

tempt  to  deceive,  and  may  succeed  in  keeping  up  th« 
deception  is  problematical.  Without  that,  the  folly  of 
the  Directory  in  such  an  attempt  would,  I  conceive, 
be  more  conspicuous,  if  possible,  than  their  wickedness. 

"  Having  with  candcur  made  this  disclosure  of  the 
state  of  my  mind,  it  remains  only  for  me  to  add,  that 
to  those  who  know  me  best,  it  is  best  known,  that 
should  imperious  circumstances  induce  me  to  ex- 
change once  more  the  smooth  paths  of  retirement  for 
the  thorny  ways  of  publick  life,  at  a  period  too  when 
repose  is  more  congenial  to  nature,  that  it  would  be 
productive  of  sensations  which  can  be  more  easily 
conceived  than  expressed." 

To  the  question  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  this  was 
his  answer. 

"  It  cannot  be  necessary  for  me  to  premise  to  you  or 
to  others  who  know  my  sentiments,  that  to  quit  the 
tranquillity  of  retirement,  and  enter  the  boundless 
field  of  responsibility,  would  be  productive  of  sensa- 
tions which  a  better  pen  than  I  possess  would  find  it 
difficult  to  describe.  Nevertheless  the  principle  by 
which  my  conduc'.  has  been  actuated  through  life, 
would  not  suffer  me,  in  any  great  emergency,  to  with- 
hold any  services  I  could  render  when  required  by  my 
country  ;  especially  in  a  case  where  its  dearest  rights 
are  assailed  by  lawless  ambition  and  intoxicated  power, 
in  contempt  of  every  principle  of  justice,  and  in  vio- 
lation of  solemn  compacts,  and  of  laws  which  govern 
all  civilized  nations  ;  and  this  too  with  the  obvious  in- 
tent to  sow  thick  the  seeds  of  disunion,  for  the  purpose 
of  subjugating  our  government,  and  destroying  our  in- 
dependence and  happiness. 

"  Under  circumstances  like  these,  accompanied  by 
an  actual  invasion  of  our  territory,  it  would  be  difficult 
for  me  at  any  time  to  remain  an  idle  spectator  under 
the  plea  of  age  or  retirement.  With  sorrow,  it  is  true, 
I  should  quit  the  shades  of  my  peaceful  abode,  and  the 
ease  and  happiness  1  now  enjoy,  to  encounter  anew 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1790-9. 
/he  turmoils  ol  war,  to  which,  possibly,  my  strength 
and  powers  might  be  found  incompetent.  These,  how 
ever,  should  not  be  stumbling  blocks  in  my  own  way 
But  there  are  other  things  highly  important  for  me  to 
ascertain  and  settle,  before  I  could  give  a  definitive 
answer  to  your  question. 

"  First,  the  propriety  in  the  opinion  of  the  publick, 
BO  far  as  that  opinion  has  been  expressed  in  conversa 
tion,  of  my  appearing  again  on  the  publick  theatre,  af- 
tei  declaring  the  sentiments  I  did  in  my  valedictory 
address  of  September,  1796. 

"  2dly.  A  conviction  in  my  own  breast,  from  the 
best  information  that  can  be  obtained,  that  it  is  the 
wish  of  my  country  that  its  military  force  should  bo 
committed  to  my  charge  ;  and 

3dly.  That  the  army  now  to  be  formed  should  be 
so  appointed  as  to  afford  a  well  grounded  hope  of  its 
doing  honour  to  the  country,  and  credit  to  him  who 
commands  it  in  the  field." 

Before  these  haters  had  reached  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment, the  President  had  nominated  to  the  Senate, 
"  General  WASHINGTON  to  be  Lieutenant  General  and 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Armies  raised  and  to  be 
raised."  The  Secretary  of  War  waited  upon  him  with 
his  co in  mission,  and  with  the  following  letter  from  the 
President. 

"  Mr.  M' Henry,  the  Secretary  of  War,  will  have 
the  honour  to  wait  on  you  in  my  behalf,  to  impart  to 
you  a  step  I  have  ventured  to  take,  which  I  should 
have  been  happy  to  have  communicated  in  person,  had 
luch  a  journey  at  this  time  been  in  my  power. 

"  My  reasons  for  this  measure  will  be  too  well 
known  to  need  any  explanation  to  the  publick.  Every 
friend  and  every  enemy  of  America  will  comprehend 
them  at  first  blush.  To  you,  sir,  I  ovvj  all  the  apology 
I  can  make.  The  urgent  necessity  I  am  in  of  youl 
advice  and  assistance,  indeed  of  your  conduct  and  di 
section  of  the  war,  is  all  I  can  urge  ;  and  that  is  a  suf 


»7<>6-9.]  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON  20* 

ficient  justification  to  myself  and  to  the  world.  I  hope 
it  will  be  so  considered  by  yourself.  Mr.  M'Henry 
will  have  the  honour  to  consult  you  upon  the  organ! 
zation  of  the  army,  and  upon  every  thing  relating  to  it. 

With  the  order  to  wait  on  General  WASHINGTON 
the  Secretary  of  War  received  from  President  Adam 
the  following  instructions. 

"  It  is  my  desire  that  you  embrace  the  first  opportu 
nity  to  set  out  on  your  journey  to  Mount  Vernon,  and 
wait  on  General  WASHINGTON  with  the  commission  of 
Lieutenant  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the 
armies  of  the  United  States,  which,  by  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  Senate,  has  been  signed  by  me. 

"  The  reasons  and  motives  which  prevailed  on  me 
to  venture  on  such  a  step  as  the  nomination  of  this 
great  and  illustrious  character,  whose  voluntary  resig- 
nation alone  occasioned  my  introduction  to  the  office  I 
now  hold,  were  too  numerous  to  be  detailed  in  this  let- 
ter, and  are  too  obvious  and  important  to  escape  the 
observation  of  any  part  of  America  or  Europe.  But  as 
it  is  a  movement  of  great  delicacy,  it  will  require  all 
your  address  to  communicate  the  subject  in  a  manner 
that  shall  be  inoffensive  to  his  feelings,  and  consistent 
with  all  the  respect  that  is  due  from  me  to  him. 

"  If  the  General  should  decline  the  appointment,  all 
the  world  will  be  silent,  and  respectfully  acquiesce. 
If  he  should  accept  it,  all  tl.e  world,  except  the  ene- 
mies of  this  country,  will  rejoice.  If  he  should  come 
to  no  decisive  determination,  but  take  the  subject  into 
consideration,  1  shall  not  appoint  any  other  Lieutenant 
Genera)  until  his  conclusion  is  known.' 

The  General  opened  himself  explicitly  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  War,  and  by  him  returned  the  following  an« 
Bwer  to  the  President's  communication. 

"  I  had  the  honour,  on  the  evening  of  the  11th  in- 
Btant,  to  receive  from  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of 
War  your  favour  of  the  7th,  announcing  that  you  hid, 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  thj  Senate,  appointed 


204  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  |[]7flO-9 

me  Lieutenant  General  and  Commander  IIY  Chiff  of 
the  Armies  raised,  or  to  be  raised  for  the  service  of  the 
United  States 

"  I  cannot  express  how  greatly  affec1  ed  I  am  at  this 
new  proof  of  publick  confidence,  and  at  the  highly 
flattering  manner  in  which  you  have  been  pleasod  to 
make  the  communication.  At  the  same  time,  I  must 
not  conceal  from  you  my  earnest  wisli  that  the  choice 
had  fallen  upon  a  man  less  declined  in  years,  and  bat- 
ter qualified  to  encounter  the  usual  vicissitudes  of  war. 

"  You  know,  sir,  what  calculations  I  had  made  rela- 
tive to  the  probable  course  of  events  or\  my  retiring 
from  office,  and  the  determination,  with  which  I  had 
consoled  myself,  of  closing  the  remnant  of  my  days  HI. 
my  present  peaceful  abode.  You  will  therefore  be  at 
no  loss  to  conceive  and  appreciate  the  sensations  I 
must  have  experienced,  to  bring  my  mind  to  any  con- 
clusion that  would  pledge  me  at  so  late  a  period  of  life, 
to  leave  scenes  I  sincerely  love,  to  enter  upon  the 
boundless  field  of  publick  action,  incessant  trouble,  and 
high  responsibility. 

"  It  was  not  possible  for  me  to  remain  ignorant,  of, 
or  indifferent  to  recent  transactions.  The  conduct  of 
the  Directory  of  France  towards  our  country  ;  their 
insidious  hostility  to  its  government ;  their  various 
practices  to  withdraw  the  affections  of  the  people  from 
it ;  the  evident  tendency  jf  their  arts,  and  those  of 
their  agents,  to  countenance  and  invigorate  opposition  ; 
their  disregard  of  solemn  treaties  ar».J  the  laws  of  na- 
tions ;  their  war  upon  our  defenceless  commerce ; 
their  treatment  of  our  Ministers  of  peace  ;  and  their 
demands,  amounting  to  tribute,  could  not  fail  to  excite 
in  me,  sentiments  corresponding  with  those  my  coun- 
trymen have  so  generally  expressed  in  their  affection- 
ate addresses  to  you. 

"  Believe  me,  sir,  no  man  can  more  cordially  ap- 
prove the  wise  and  prudent  measures  of  your  Adminis- 
tration. They  ought  to  inspire  universal  confidence, 


1796-9.J        LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  205 

Mid  will,  no  doubt,  combined  with  the  state  of  things, 
call  from  Congress  such  laws  and  means  as  wui  enable 
you  to  meet  the  full  force  and  extent  of  the  crisis. 

"  Satisfied,  therefore,  that  you  have  sincerely  wish 
ed  and  endeavoured  to  avert  war,  and  exhausted  to  the 
last  drop  the  cup  of  reconciliation,  we  can,  with  pure 
hearts,  appeal  to  heaven  for  tiie  justice  of  our  cause, 
and  may  confidently  trust  the  final  result,  to  tliat  kind 
Providence  who  has  heretofore,  and  BO  often,  signally 
favoured  the  people  of  the  United  States. 

"  Thinking  in  this  manner,  and  feeling  how  incum- 
bent it  is  upon  every  person  of  every  description  to 
contribute,  at  all  times,  to  his  country's  welfare,  and 
especially  in  a  moment  like  the  present,  when  every 
thing  we  hold  dear  and  sacred  is  so  seriously  threaten- 
ed, i  have  finally  determined  to  accept  the  commission 
of  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Armies  of  the  United 
States,  with  the  reserve  only,  that  I  shall  not  be  called 
into  the  field  until  the  army  is  in  a  situation  to  require 
my  presence,  or  it  becomes  indispensable  by  the  ur- 
gency of  circumstances. 

"  In  making  this  reservation,  I  beg  it  to  be  under- 
stood that  I  do  not  mean  to  withhold  any  assistance  to 
arrange  and  organize  the  army,  which  you  may  think 
I  can  afford.  1  take  the  liberty  also  to  mention  that  I 
must  decline  having  rny  acceptance  considered  as 
drawing  after  it  any  immediate  charge  upon  the  publick, 
or  that  I  can  receive  any  emoluments  annexed  to  the 
appointment  before  I  am  in  a  situation  to  incur  ex- 
pense." 

From  this  period  the  domestiek  employments  of  Ge- 
neral WASHINGTON  were  blended  with  the  concerns 
of  his  publick  commission  ;  but  he  did  not  apprehend 
that  France  would  push  her  aggressions  to  actual 
war.  He  conceived  that  the  object  of  the  Directory 
was  to  subject  the  Government  of  the  United  State! 
to  their  measures,  either  through  fear  of  war,  or  bl 
the  controlling  influence  of  the  people. 

VOL.  II .  18 


206  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON        [179G-& 

It  was  the  settled  opinion  of  the  General,  that  the 
great  body  of  the  American  people  were  actuated  by 
the  love  of  country,  and  only  needed  informatim  re- 
specting the  measures  of  government  to  induce  them 
to  support  it.  In  the  patriotick  spirit,  excited  in  1798, 
he  contemplated  a  resource,  which  might  at  all  times 
be  relied  upon  to  repel  foreign  aggressions,  and  on  this 
occasion  he  confidently  expected  that  France  would 
recede  from  her  insolent  pretensions. 

But  he  did  not  live  to  see  the  fulfilment  of  his  pre- 
dictions. On  Friday,  December  13,  1799,  while  su- 
perintending some  improvements  on  his  estate,  he  was 
out  in  a  light  rain,  which  wet  his  neck  and  hair.  The 
occurrence  commanded  no  immediate  attention,  but 
in  tne  course  of  the  ensuing  night  he  was  seized  \vith 
an  inflammation  of  the  wind  pipe.  The  complaint 
was  accompanied  with  difficulty  in  swallowing,  and 
witn  a  quick  and  laborious  respiration. 

Conceiving  that  bleeding  would  be  salutary,  a  vein 
was  opened  by  one  accustomed  to  the  use  of  the  lancet, 
anu  fourteen  ounces  of  blood  taken  from  him  ;  but  he 
could  not  be  persuaded  to  send  for  his  physician  until 
the  morning.  About  11  o'clock,  on  Saturday,  Dr.  Craik 
irnved,  and  perceiving  his  extreme  danger,  desired 
the  advice  of  two  consulting  physicians  ;  but  their  aid, 
in  this  case,  was  unavailing.  Speaking  soon  became 
painful,  and  respiration  contracted  and  imperfect,  and 
at  half  past  eleven  on  Saturday  night,  December  14, 
in  the  full  possession  of  reason,  he  expired. 

From  Ike  moment  of  attack,  he  believed  the  disease 
would  prove  mortal,  and  submitted  to  medical  aid 
rather  to  gratify  the  wishes  of  his  anxious  friends,  than 
from  any  expectation  of  relief.  Some-  hours  before 
death,  with  extreme  difficulty,  he  intelligibly  expressed 
a  desire  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  die  without 
further  disturbance.  When  he  could  no  longer  swal- 
low, he  undressed  himself  and  got  into  bed,  there  to 
•.wait  his  dissolution  Dr  Craik  took  the  head  of  hit 


171MW).]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  20V 

beloved  and  respected  friend  in  his  lap,  to  wnoin  the 
General  said,  "  Doctor,  I  am  dying,  and  have  bee*, 
dying  for  a  long  time,  but  I  am  not  afraid  to  die." 
With  fortitude  he  bore  the  painful  conflict,  and  with 
perfect  serenity  resigned  himself  to  his  God. 

His  interment  on  Wednesday,  the  18th  of  Decem- 
ber, was  attendee  oy  religious  services,  and  military 
honours  ;  and  a  great  concourse  of  people  followed  liii 
hearse,  as  unassembled  mourners. 

The  report  of  the  death  of  General  WASHINGTON 
reached  the  seat  of  Government  before  the  information 
of  his  sickness.  It  excited  the  highest  sensibility  in 
the  members  of  Congress,  and  overwhelmed  them  with 
affliction.  A  solemn  silence  prevailed  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  for  several  minutes.  At  length  Mr. 
Marshall,  the  present  Chief  Justice  of  the  United 
States,  mentioned  the  melancholy  information.  "  This 
information  is  not  certain,"  he  observed,  "  but  there  la 
too  much  reason  to  believe  it  true.  After  receiving 
intelligence,"  he  added,  "of  a  national  calamity  so 
heavy  and  afflicting,  the  House  of  Representatives  can 
be  but  ill  fitted  for  publick  business."  In  consequence, 
both  Houses  adjourned. 

On  opening  the  House  the  next  morning,  Mr.  Mar 
shall  addressed  the  Chair  in  the  following  manner. 

"  The  melancholy  event  which  was  yesterday  an 
nounced  with  doubt,  has  been  rendered  but  too  certain 
Our  WASIHNGTON  is  no  more  !  The  Hero,  the  Patriot, 
and  the  Sage  of  America — the  man  on  whom,  in  times 
of  danger,  every  eye  was  tuned,  and  all  hopes  were 
placed,  lives  now  only  in  his  own  great  actions,  and  in 
the  hearts  of  an  affectionate  and  afflicted  people. 

"  If,  sir,  it  had  even  not  been  usual  openly  to  testify 
respect  for  the  memory  of  those  whom  Heaven  has 
(elected  as  its  instruments  for  dispensing  good  to  man. 
yet,  such  has  been  the  uncommon  worth,  and  such  th€ 
extraordinary  incidents  which  have  marked  the  life  of 
him  whose  loss  we  all  deplore.,  that  I  ho  whole  Arnen- 


808  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [1796-S 

can  nation,  impelled  by  the  same  feelings,  would  ca.l\ 
with  one  voice,  for  a  publick  manifestation  of  that  sor 
row  which  is  so  deep  and  so  universal. 

"  More  than  any  other  individual,  and  as  much  as  to 
one  individual  was  possible,  has  he  contributed  to  found 
this  our  wide  spreading  empire,  and  to  git't  to  th* 
Western  World,  independence  and  freedom. 

"  Having  effected  the  great  object  for  which  he  wa« 
placed  at  the  head  of  our  armies,  we  Lave  seen  him 
convert  the  sword  into  the  plough&htre,  and  sink  th« 
•oldier  into  the  citizen. 

"  When  the  debility  of  our  Federal  System  had  be- 
come manifest,  and  the  bonds  which  connected  thif 
vast  Continent  were  dissolving,  we  have  seen  him,  th* 
Chief  of  those  Patriots  who  formed  for  us  a  Constitu 
tion,  which,  by  preserving  the  Union,  will,  I  trust 
substantiate  and  perpetuate  those  blessings  which  OUT 
Revor  ion  had  promised  to  bestow. 

"  In  oX^dieuce  to  the  general  voice  of  his  country, 
calling  li'in  to  preside  over  a  great  people,  we  havi 
seen  him  once  more  quit  thb  retirement  he  loved,  and 
in  a  season  more  stormy  and  tempestuous  than  war  it 
self,  with  calm  and  wise  determination,  pursue  th« 
true  interests  of  the  nation,  and  contribute,  more  than 
any  other  could  contribute,  to  the  establishment  of  that 
system  of  policy,  which  will,  1  trust,  yet  preserve  our 
peace,  our  honour,  and  independence. 

"  Having  twice  been  unanimously  chosen  the  Chief 
Magistrate,  of  a  free  people,  we  have  seen  him,  at  a 
time  when'his  re-election  with  universal  suffrage  could 
not  be  doubted,  afford  to  the  world  a  rare  instance  of 
moderation,  by  withdrawing  from  his  high  station  to 
Uie  peaceful  walks  of  private  life. 

"  However  the  publick  confidence  may  change,  and 
the  publick  affections  fluctuate  with  respect  to  others, 
with  respect  to  him,  they  have,  in  war  and  in  peace,  in 
publick  and  in  private  life,  been  as  steady  as  Lis  own 
firm  mind,  and  as  constant  as  his  own  exalted  virtues 


I796-I/.J         LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  J209 

"  Let  us  then.  Mr.  Speaker,  pay  the  last  trioute  of 
respect  and  affection  to  our  departed  friend.  Let  the 
Grand  Council  of  the  nation  display  those  sentiments 
which  the  nation  feels.  For  this  purpose  I  hold  in  my 
hand  some  resolutions  which  I  take  the  liberty  of  offer- 
ing to  the  House." 

The  resolutions,  after  stating  the  death  of  General 
WASHINGTON,  were  as  follows. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  House  will  wait  on  the  Presi- 
dent in  condolence  of  this  mournful  event. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Speaker's  chair  be  shrouded 
with  black,  and  that  the  members  and  officers  of  the 
House  wear  black  during  the  session. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  Committee  in  conjunction  with 
one  from  the  Senate,  be  appointed  to  consider  on  the 
most  suitable  manner  of  paying  honour  to  the  memory 
of  the  man,  first  in  war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the 
hearts  of  his  fellow  citizens." 

These  resolutions  had  no  sooner  passed,  than  a  writ- 
ten message  was  received  from  the  President,  trans- 
mitting a  letter  from  Mr.  Lear,  "  which,"  said  the 
message,  "  will  inform  you  that  it  had  pleased  Divine 
Providence  to  remove  from  this  life  our  excellent  fel 
low  citizen,  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  by  the  purity  of 
his  life,  and  a  long  series  of  services  to  his  country, 
rendered  illustrious  througn  the  world.  It  remains 
for  an  affectionate  and  grateful  people,  in  whose  hearts 
he  can  never  die,  to  pay  suitable  honour  to  his  memory." 

On  this  mournful  event,  the  Senate  addressed  to  the 
President  the  following  letter. 

"  The  Senate  of  the  United  States  respectfully  take 
leave,  sir,  to  express  to  you  their  deep  regret  for  the 
loss  their  country  sustains  in  the  death  of  General 
GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

"  This  event,  so  distressing  to  all  our  fellow  citizens, 

must  be  peculiarly  hnavy  to  you,  who  have  long  been 

associated  with   him   in  deeds  of  patriotism.     Permit 

•IB,  sir,  to  mingle  our  tears  with  yours      On  this  occa 

18* 


210  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.         [179G-? 

sion  it  is  manly  to  weep.  To  lose  such  a  man,  at  such 
a  crisis,  is  no  common  calamity  to  the  world.  Ou« 
country  mourns  a  Father.  The  Almighty  Disposer  of 
human  events  has  taken  from  us  our  greatest  benefac- 
tor and  ornament.  It  becomes  us  to  submit  with  re- 
verence to  HIM  who  "  maketh  darkness  his  pavilion." 

"  With  patriotick  pride  we  review  the  life  of  oui 
WASHINGTON,  and  compare  him  with  those  of 
other  countries  who  have  been  pre-eminent  in  fame 
Ancient  and  modern  names  are  diminished  before  him. 
Greatness  and  guilt  have  too  often  been  allied  ;  but 
kis  fame  is  whiter  than  it  is  brilliant.  The  destroyers  of 
nations  stood  abashed  at  the  majesty  of  Ids  virtues.  It 
reproved  the  intemperance  of  their  ambition,  and  dark- 
ened the  splendour  of  victory.  The  scene  is  closed,  and 
we  are  no  longer  anxious  lest  misfortune  should  sully 
his  glory  ;  he  has  travelled  on  to  the  end  of  his  journey, 
and  carried  with  him  an  increasing  weight  of  honour ; 
he  has  deposited  it  safely  where  misfortune  cannot  tar- 
nish it  :  where  malice  cannot  blast  it.  Favoured  of 
heaven,  he  departed  without  exhibiting  the  weakness 
of  humanity  ;  magnanimous  in  death,  the  darkness  of 
the  grave  could  not  obscure  his  brightness. 

"  Such  was  the  man  whom  we  deplore.  Thanks  to 
God,  his  glory  is  consummated.  WASHINGTON  yet 
lives  on  Earth  in  his  spotless  example — His  spirit  is  in 
Heaven. 

(i  Let  his  countrymen  consecrate  the  memory  of  the 
heroick  General,  the  patriotick  Statesman,  and  the 
virtuous  Sage.  Let  them  teach  their  children  never 
to  forget  that  the  fruits  of  his  labours  and  his  example 
are  their  inheritance." 

To  whi-.h  the  President  made  the  following  answer. 

'*  I  receive,  with  the  most  respectful  and  affectionate 
icetitini'jnts.  in  this  impressive  address,  the  obliging  ex- 
pressions ot  yjjftir  regret  for  the  loss  our  country  hai 
sustained,  in  the  death  of  her  most  esteem-d,  beloved, 
and  admired  citizen. 


1796-9.]       LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  211 

"  In  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts  and  recollections 
on  this  melancholy  event,  you  will  permit  me  to  say 
that  I  have  seen  him  in  the  days  of  adversity,  in  som« 
of  the  scenes  of  his  deepest  distress,  and  most  trying 
perplexities.  I  have  also  attended  him  in  his  high- 
est elevation,  and  most  prosperous  felicity,  with  uni- 
form admiration  of  his  wisdom,  moderation,  and  con- 
•tancy. 

"  Among  all  our  original  associates  in  that  memora 
ble  league  of  this  Continent  in  1774,  which  first  ex- 
pressed the  sovereign  will  of  a  free  natron  in  Ameri- 
ca, he  was  the  only  one  remaining  in  the  general  go- 
vernment. Although  with  a  constitution  more  enfee- 
bled than  his,  at  an  age  when  he  thought  it  necessary 
to  prepare  for  retirement,  1  feel  myself  alone,  bereaved 
of  my  last  brother ;  yet  1  derive  a  strong  consolation 
from  the  unanimous  disposition  which  appears  in  all 
ages  and  classes  to  mingle  their  sorrows  with  mine  on 
this  common  calamity  to  the  world. 

"  The  life  of  our  WASHINGTON  cannot  suffer  by  a  com- 
parison with  those  of  other  countries,  who  have  been 
most  celebrated  and  exalted  by  fame.  The  attributes 
and  decorations  of  royalty  could  only  have  served  to 
eclipse  the  majesty  of  those  virtues  which  made  him 
from  being  a  modest  citizen,  a  more  resplendent  lumi- 
nary. Misfortune,  had  he  lived,  could  hereafter  have 
Bullied  his  glory  only  with  those  superficial  minds, 
who,  believing  that  characters  and  actions  are  marked 
by  success  alone,  rarely  deserve  to  enjoy  it.  Malice 
could  never  blast  his  honour,  and  envy  made  him  a 
singular  exception  to  her  universal  rule.  For  himself, 
he  had  lived  long  enoujrh  to  life  and  to  glory.  For  hi» 
fellow  citizens,  if  their  prayers  could  have  been  an 
rvered,  he  would  have  been  immortal ;  for  me,  hi* 
departure  is  at  a  most  unfortunate  moment.  Trust- 
tug,  however,  in  the  wise  and  righteous  dominion  of 
Providence  over  the  passions  of  men,  and  the  result* 


£12  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  [l>J6-9 

of  their  councils  and  actions,  as  well  as  over  their  live* 
nothing  remains  for  rne  but  Immlile  resignation. 

"  His  example  is  now  complete  ;  and  it  will  teach 
wisdom  and  virtue  to  magistrates,  citizens,  and  men, 
not  only  in  the  present  age,  but  in  future  generations, 
as  onsr  as  our  history  shall  be  read.  If  a  Trajan  found 
a  Pliny,  a  Marcus  Aurelius  can  never  want  biogra 
pliers,  eulogists,  or  historians." 

A  joint,  committee  of  the  two  Houses  reported  the 
following  resolutions. 

"  That  a  marble  monument  be  erected  by  the  United 
States  at  the  city  of  Washington,  and  that  the  family 
uf  General  WASHINGTON  be  requested  to  permit  his 
body  to  be  deposited  under  it ;  and  that  the  monument 
be  so  designed  as  to  commemorate  the  great  events  of 
his  military  and  political  life. 

"  That  there  be  a  funeral  procession  from  Congress 
Hall  to  the  German  Lutheran  Church,  in  memory  of 
General  WASHINGTON,  on  Thursday  the  26th  instant, 
and  that  an  oration  be  prepared  at  the  request  of  Con- 
gress, to  be  delivered  before  both  Houses  on  that  day  ; 
and  that  the  President  of  the  Senate  and  Speaker  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  be  desired  to  request 
one  of  the  members  of  Congress  to  prepare  and  de- 
liver the  same. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  people  of  the 
United  States  to  wear  crape  on  the  left  arm  as  mourn 
ing  for  thirty  days 

"  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  re 
quested  to  direct  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  to  be 
transmitted  to  Mrs.  Washington,  assuring  her  of  the 
profound  respect  Congress  will  ever  bear  to  her  per- 
son and  character,  of  their  condolence  on  the  late  af- 
"ecting  dispensation  of  Providence,  and  enlreating 
her  assent  to  the  interment  of  the  remains  of  Genera] 
WASHINGTON  in  the  manner  expressed  in  the  Hist  reno 
lution. 


1796-9.]      LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  21» 

"  That  the  President  be  requested  to  issue  Tiis  Pr» 
clamation,  notifying  to  the  people  throughout  the 
United  States  the  recommendation  contained  in  the 
third  resolution." 

The  President  transmitted  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress to  Mrs.  Washington,  to  which  she  thus  replied. 

"  Taught  by  the  great  example  which  I  have  so 
long  had  before  me,  never  to  oppose  my  private  wishes 
to  the  publick  will,  I  must  consent  to  the  request  made 
by  Congress,  which  you  have  had  the  goodness  to 
transmit  to  me  ;  and  in  doing  this,  I  need  not,  I  cannot 
say,  what  a  sacrifice  of  individual  feeling  I  make  to  a 
sense  of  duty." 

Information  of  the  death  of  General  WASHINGTON 
was,  throughout  the  United  States,  accompanied  by 
spontaneous  and  universal  expressions  of  deep  grief 
for  his  loss,  and  of  the  highest  veneration  for  his 
memory.  The  citizens  without  exception  complied 
with  the  recommendations  of  Congress.  Civil  Incor- 
porations and  Legislative  Bodies,  Colleges  and  all 
other  respectable  Societies,  formed  funeral  processions, 
and  attended  upon  prayers,  eulogies,  and  orations. 

The  resolution  of  Congress  respecting  the  nioru- 
ment  has  not  been  carried  into  execution.  When  a 
motion  for  the  necessary  appropriation  was  made  in 
the  House  of  Representatives,  many  members  mani- 
fested a  preference  for  an  Equestrian  Statue,  voted  by 
Congress  at  the  close  of  the  war,  and  in  the  dispute 
between  a  monument  and  a  statue,  the  session  of  the 
Legislature  passed  away,  and  no  appropriation  was 
made. 

They,  who  had  opposed  every  part  of  his  adminis- 
tration, probably  could  not  in  sincer.ty  favour  a  Na- 
tional Monument  to  his  memory  ;  and  when  the  sub- 
ject was  revived  in  Congress,  the  publick  feelings, 
having  in  some  measure  subsided,  they  opposed  ai'y 
appropriation  for  this  purpose,  as  an  improper  use  of. 
publick  money.  The  reason  assigned  for  objecting  ta 


814  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

the  measure  was,  that  the  gratitude  and  veneration  cf 
the  people  were  the  appropriate  monument  of  the  oub- 
lick  services  of  the  American  Patriot. 

General  WASHINGTON  never  had  any  children.  By 
his  will  he  le-fl  Mrs.  Washington  the  use  of  all  his 
property  during  her  life.  At  her  decease  he  liberated 
his  slaves,  and  disposec  of  property  among  his  and  her 
relations,  amounting  b;  his  own  estimate,  to  five  hun- 
dred and  thirty  thousand  dollars.  This  amount  of 
property  does  not  include  the  Mansion  House  on 
Mount  Vernon,  nor  the  domain  connected  with  it, 
which  was  under  the  personal  management  of  Gene- 
ral WASHINGTON. 


CONCLUSION. 

GENERAL  WASHINGTON  was  exactly  six  feet  in 
height,  ho  appeared  taller,  as  his  shoulders  rose  a  little 
higher  than  the  true  proportion.  His  eyes  were  of  a 
gray,  and  his  hair  of  a  brown  colour.  His  limbs  were 
well  formed,  and  indicated  strength.  His  complexion 
was  light,  and  his  countenance  serene  and  thoughtful 

His  manners  were  graceful,  manly,  and  dignitied. 
His  general  appearance  never  failed  to  engage  the  re- 
spect and  esteem  of  all  who  approached  him. 

Possessing  strong  natural  passions,  and  having  the 
nicest  feelings  of  honour,  he  was  in  early  life  prone 
keenly  to  resent  practices  which  carried  the  intention 
»  of  abuse  or  insult  ;  but  the  reflections  of  maturer  age 
^  gave  him  the  most  perfect  government  of  himself. 
He  nossessed  a  faculty  above  all  other  men  to  hide  the 
weaknesses  inseparable  from  human  nature  ;  and  he 
bore  with  meekness  and  equanimity  his  distinguished 
honours. 

Reserved,  but  not  haughty,  in  his  disposition,  he 
<va»  accessible  to  all  in  concerns  of  business,  but  ha 


LIFE  0*    WASHINGTON  215 

opened  himself  only  to  his  confidential  frionds ;  and 
no  irt  or  address  could  draw  from  him  an  opinion, 
which  he  thought  prudent  to  conceal. 

He  was  not  so  much  distinguished  for  brilliancy  of 
genius  as  for  solidity  of  judgment,  and  consummate 
prudence  of  conduct.  He  was  not  so  eminent  for  any 
one  quality  of  greatness  and  worth,  as  for  the  union 
of  those  great,  amiable,  and  good  qualities,  which  are 
very  rarely  cotr.bined  in  the  same  character. 

His  maxims  were  formed  upon  the  result  cf  mature 
reflection,  or  extensive  experience  ;  they  were  the  in- 
variable rules  of  his  practice  ;  and  on  all  important  in- 
stances, he  seemed  to  have  an  intuitive  view  of  what 
the  occasion  rendered  fit  and  proper.  He  pursued  his 
purposes  with  a  resolution,  wlrich,  one  solitary  mo- 
ment excepted,  never  failed  him.* 

Alive  to  social  pleasures,  he  delighted  to  enter  into 
familiar  conversation  with  his  acquaintance,  and  was 
sometimes  sportive  in  his  letters  to  his  friends  ;  but  he 
never  lost  sight  of  the  dignity  of  his  character,  no; 
deviated  from  the  decorous  and  appropriate  behavicu.1 
becoming  his  station  in  society. 

He  commanded  from  all  the  most  respectful  atten- 
tion, and  no  man  in  his  company  ever  fell  into  light  or 
lewd  conversation.  His  style  of  living  corresponded 
with  his  wealth  ;  but  his  extensive  establishment  was 
managed  with  the  strictest  economy,  and  he  ever  re- 
served ample  funds  liberally  to  promote  schemes  of 
private  benevolence,  and  works  of  publick  utility. 
Punctual  himself  to  every  engagement,  he  exacted 
from  others  a  strict  fulfilment  of  contracts,  but  to  the 
necessitous  he  v;as  diffusive  in  his  charities,  and  he 
greatly  assisted  the  poorer  classes  of  people  in  his  vi- 
cinity, by  furnishing  them  with  means  successfully  to 
prosecute  plans  of  industry. 

In  domestick  and  private  life,  he  blended  the  authe- 
•On  York  Island,  in  1776.— See  Vol.  !.  page  87 


216  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON, 

rity  of  the  master  with  the  care  and  kindness  of  th« 
guardian  and  friend.  Solicitous  for  the  welfare  of  .an 
siaves,  while  at  mount  Vernon,  he  every  inornhjg  rode 
round  his  estates  to  examine  their  condition  ;  for  the 
sick,  physicians  were  provided,  and  to  the  weak  and 
infirm  every  necessary  comfort  was  administered. 
The  servitude  of  th«  negroes  lay  with  weight  upon 
lis  mind  ;  ho  often  made  it  the  subject  of  conversation, 
ind  resolved  several  plans  for  their  general  emancipa- 
tion ;  but  could  devise  none,  which  promised  success, 
in  consistency  with  humanity  to  them,  and  safety  to 
the  state. 

The  address  presented  to  him  at  Alexandria,  on  the 
commencement  of  his  presidency,  fully  shows  how 
much  he  was  endeared  to  his  neighbours,  and  the  af- 
fection and  esteem,  in  which  his  friends  held  his  pri- 
vate character. 

His  industry  was  unremitted,  and  his  method  so 
exact,  that  all  the  complicated  business  of  his  military 
command,  and  civil  administration,  was  managed 
without  confusion,  and  without  hurry. 

Not  feeling  the  lust  of  power,  and  ambitious  only 
for  honourable  fame,  he  devoted  himself  to  his  country 
upon  the  most  disinterested  principles  ;  and  his  actions 
wore  not  the  semblance  but  the  reality  of  virtue  :  the 
purity  of  his  motives  was  accredited,  and  absolute  son- 
fidence  placed  in  his  patriotism. 

While  filling  a  puhlick  station,  th«  performance  of 
his  duty  took  the  place  of  pleasure,  emolument,  and 
every  priva'.e  consideration.  During  the  more  critical 
years  of  the  war,  a  smile  was  scarcely  seen  upon  hii 
countenance,  he  gave  hirrself  no  moments  of  relaxa- 
tion ;  but  his  whole  mind  was  engrossed  to  execute 
successfully  his  trust. 

As  a  military  commander,  he  struggled  with  innu- 
merable embarrassments,  arising  from  the  short  enlist- 
ment of  his  men,  and  from  the  want  of  pro  visione, 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  217 

clothing,  arms,  and  ammunition  ;  and  an  opinion,  if  hi* 
achievements  should  be  formed  in  view  of  these  in- 
adequate means. 

The  first  years  of  his  civil  administration  were  at- 
tended with  the  extraordinary  fact,  that  while  a  great 
proportion  of  his  countrymen  did  not  approve  his 
measures,  they  universally  venerated  his  character, 
and  relied  implicitly  on  his  integrity.  Altho-jgh  his 
opponents  eventually  deemed  it  expedient  to  vilify  hia 
character,  trial  they  might  diminish  his  political  influ- 
ence ;  yet  the  moment  that  no  retired  from  publick 
life-  they  relumed  to  thoir  expressions  of  venoiation 
and  ssteem  ;  and  after  his  death,  used  every  endeavour 
to  secure  to  their  party  the  influence  of  his  name. 

He  was  as  eminent  for  piety  as  for  patriotism.  Hi» 
publick  and  private  conduct  evince,  that  he  impres- 
sively felt  a  sense  of  the  superintendence  of  God  and 
of  the  dependence  of  man.  In  his  addresses,  while  at 
the  head  of  the  army,  and  of  the  rational  government, 
he  gratefully  noticed  the  signal  blessings  of  Providence, 
and  fervently  commended  his  country  to  divine  b^ne 
diction.  In  private,  he  waj  known  to  have  been  ha 
bitually  devout. 

In  principle  and  practice  ho  was  a  Christian.  Th* 
support  of  an  Episcopal  church,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Mount  Vernon,  rested  principally  upon  him,  and  here, 
when  on  his  estate,  he  with  constancy  attended  pub- 
lick  worship.  In  his  address  to  the  American  people, 
at  the  close  of  the  war,  mentioning  the  favourable  pe- 
riod of  the  world  at  which  the  independence  of  h> 
country  was  established,  and  enumerating  the  causes 
which  unitedly  had  ameliorated  tlie  condition  of  hu- 
man society,  he,  above  science,  philosophy,  commerce, 
and  all  other  considerations,  ranked  "  the  pure  and  be- 
nign light  of  Revelation."  Supplicating  Heaven  that 
his  fellow  citizens  might  cultivate  the  disposition,  and 
practise  the  virtues,  which  exalt  a  community,  he  pro 
tented  the  following  petition  to  his  G«d  That  he 

Vo-    II.  19 


818  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

would  most  gracious!)'  be  pleased  to  dispose  us  all  to  do 
justice,  to  love  mercy,  and  to  demean  ourselves  with 
t'»at  r.harity,  humility  and  paciiick  temper  rf  mind, 
which  were  the  eharacteristicks  of  the  Divine  Author 
of  our  blessed  religion  ;  without  a  humble  imitation 
of  whoso  example  in  these  things,  we  can  never  hope 
to  be  a  happy  nation." 

During  the  war,  he  not  unfrequcntly  rode  ton  or 
twelve  miles  from  camp  to  attend  publick  worship ; 
and  he  never  omitted  this  attendance,  when  opportuni- 
ty presented. 

In  the  establishment  of  his  presidential  household, 
ho  reserved  to  himselt'  the  Sabbath,  free  from  the  in- 
terruptions of  private  visits,  or  publick  business  ;  and 
throughout  the  eight  years  of  his  civil  administration, 
i  e  gave  to  the  institutions  of  Christianity  the  influence 
of  his  example. 

lie  was  as  fortunate  as  great  and  good. 

Under  his  auspices,  a  civil  war  was  conducted  with 
mildness,  and  a  revolution  with  order.  Raised  him- 
self above  the  influence  of  popular  passions,  he  happi- 
ly directed  these  passions  to  the  most  useful  purposes. 
Uniting  the  talents  of  the  soldier  with  the  qualifica- 
tions of  the  statesman,  and  pursuing,  unmoved  by 
difficulties,  the  noblest  end  by  the  purest  means,  he 
had  the  supreme  satisfaction  of  beholding  tho  coin- 
phto  success  of  his  great  military  and  civil  service!, 
in  the  independence  and  happiness  of  his  country 

»O   Or   TdLDMK    II. 


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